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THE  UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

LIBRARY 


THE  WILMER  COLLECTION 

OF  CIVIL  WAR  NOVELS 

PRESENTED  BY 

RICHARD  H.  WILMER,  JR. 


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JflUMIdkiUJUJJ^ 


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7 


F  S  &  M  S^  J 

BEFORE     VICKSBURG. 


"*     """"''''■s^^^'^IP^ 


THE     GUN- BO  AT    SERIES, 


FRANK 


BEFORE   VICKSBURG 


BY 

HARRY  CASTLEMON, 

AUTHOR   OF   "  THE   POCKY   MOUNTAIN   SERIES,"    "  THE   GO-AHXAB 
SERIES,"   ETC 


PHILADELrillA : 
PORTER    &    COATES 

CINCINNATI,  O. : 
R.  W.  CARROLL  &  CO. 


FAMOUS  CASTLEMON  BOOKS. 


GUNBOAT  SERIES.     By  Harry  Castlemon.     Illustrated.     6  vola 
lOiao.     Cloth,  extra,  black  and  gold. 
Frank  toe  Young  Naturalist.     Franr  on  a  Gunboat.    Frank 
IK  the  "Woods.     Frank  before  Vicksburg.     Frank  on  the  Lower 
Mississippi.     Frank  on  the  Prairie. 

BOCKY    MOUNTAIN    SERIES.       By    Harry    Castlemon. 
Illustrated.    3  vols.    lOuio,    Cloth,  extra,  black  and  gold. 
Frank  among  the  Ranch eros. 
Frank  at  Don  Carlos'  Rancho. 
Frank  in  the  Mountains. 

SPORTSMAN'S    CLUB    SERIES.      By   Harry    Castlemon. 
Illustrated.     3  vols.     lOmo.     Cloth,  extra,  black  and  gold. 
The  Sportsman's  Club  in  the  Saddle. 
The  Sportsman's  Club  Afloat. 
The  Sportsman's  Club  among  the  Trappers. 

GO-AHEAD    SERIES.      By   Harry    Castlemon.      Illustrated.      3 
vols.     16mo.     Cloth,  extra,  black  and  golA. 
Tom  Newcombe.     Go-Ahead.     No  Moss. 

FRANK  NELSON  SERIES.     By  Harry  Castlemon.    Illustrated. 
3  vols.     IGmo.    Cloth,  extra,  black  and  gold. 
Snowed  Up.     Frank  in  the  Forecastle.    Boy  Traders. 

BOY    TRAPPER   SERIES.      By   Harry   Castlemon.    Illustrated. 
3  vols.     16mo.     Cloth,  extra,  black  and  gold. 
The  Buried  Treasure;  or,  Old  Jordan's  Haunt. 
The  Boy  Trapper;  or,  How  Dave  Filled  the  Order. 
The  Mail-Carrier. 

ROUGHING  IT    SERIES.      By   Harry   Castlemon.     Illustrated. 
lOuio.     Cloth,  extra,  black  and  gold. 
George  in  Camp. 


Other  Volumes  in  Trejyaration. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1864,  by 

E.  W.  CARROLL  &  CO., 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States, 

for  the  Southern  District  of  Ohio. 


€anit\it$. 


UOMK  AgAIM 

UAaRT  ON  A  Scout. 


On  Duty  Agah?, 


CHAPTER  I. 

CHAPTER  II. 
CHAPTER  III. 
CHAPTER  IV. 


Thk  Fight  in  the  Woods. 


FAGl 
...      7 


CHAPTER  V. 
in  THE  Hands  or  the  "Johnnies"  Again 80 


CHAPTER  VI. 


An  Old  Acquaintance. 


CHAPTER  VII. 
A  Closc  Shaye Ill 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
Taking  Down  the  Captain 128 

CHAPTER  IX. 
A  Practical  Joke 144 

CHAPTER  X. 
Nnw  Messmates 153 


CHAPTER  XI. 


A  Good  Night's  Wobk. 


i6i 


602902 


(') 


VI  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XII.                                 piGi 
In  the  Trenches 183 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
The  ScotTT's  Stobt ^ 194 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
Running  the  Batteeies 206 

CHAPTER  XV. 
A  Race  fob  the  Old  Flag 213 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
The  Rival  Shabp-Shootebs 227 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
Tsx  SaircoLiB's  Cave— CoNCireiox. ..«. 


FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURG. 


CHAPTER  I. 

FTER  all  the  tragic  adventures 
'%^]ff^^X^^^  which  Frank  Nelson  had  passed 
v^Kii/lKV;^  through,  since  entering  the  service 
of  his  country,  Tvhich  we  have  at- 
tempted to  describe  in  the  preceding 
volume  of  this  series,  he  found  him- 
self surrounded  by  his  relatives  and 
friends,  petted  and  feted,  enjoying  all  the  com- 
forts of  his  old  and  well-beloved  home. 

Only  those  who  have  been  in  similar  circum- 
stances can  imagine  how  pleasant  that  quiet  little 
cottage  seemed  to  Frank,  after  the  scenes  of  dan- 
ger through  which  he  had  passed.  He  looked 
back    to    the    memorable    struggle    between    tha 

(7) 


8  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

lines;  the  scene  in  the  turret  during  the  first 
day's  fight  at  Fort  Pemberton;  the  privations  he 
had  undergone  -while  confined  in  the  prison  at 
Shreveport;  his  almost  miraculous  escape;  and 
they  seemed  to  him  like  a  dream.  All  his  sufi*er- 
ings  were  forgotten  in  the  joy  he  felt  at  finding 
himself  once  more  at  home.  But  sorrow  was 
mingled  with  his  joy  when  he  looked  upon  the 
weeds  which  his  mother  wore,  and  when  he  saw 
the  look  of  sadness  which  had  taken  the  place  of 
her  once  happy  smile.  She  seemed  ten  years 
older  than  she  looked  on  that  pleasant  morn- 
ing, just  fifteen  months  before,  when,  standing  in 
the  door,  she  had  strained  her  son  to  her  bosom, 
and  uttered  those  words  which  had  rung  in 
Frank's  ears  whenever  he  felt  himself  about  to 
give  away  to  his  feelings  of  terror : 

"Good-by,  my  son;  I  may  never  see  you  again, 
but  I  hope  I  shall  never  hear  that  you  shrank 
from  your  duty." 

Frank  shuddered  when  he  thought  how  intense         f 
must  have  been  the  sufifering  that  could  work  so 
great  a  .change.      But  now  that  he  was  safe   at 
home  again,  there  was  no  cause  but  for  rejoicing 
Ilis  presence  there  afi'orded  abundant  proof  that 


HOME   AGAIN.  9 

he  had  not  been  shot  while  attempting  to  run  the 
guards  at  Shreveport,  as  had  been  reported. 

And  how  great  m^ist  have  been  the  joy  which 
tliat  mother  felt  at  beholding  him  once  more! 
Although  he  did  not  move  about  the  house  in  his 
accustomed  noisy,  boyish  way,  and  although  his 
cheek  had  been  paled  by  his  recent  sickness,  from 
which  he  had  not  yet  wholly  recovered,  he  was 
still  the  same  lively,  generous  Frank  whom  she 
had  so  freely  given  up  to  the  service  of  his  coun- 
try. During  the  short  time  that  they  had  been 
separated,  he  had  been  placed  in  situations  where 
his  courage  and  determination  had  been  severely 
tested,  and  had  come  pafely  through,  never  forget- 
ting his  mother's  advice;  and  that  mother  could 
not  suppress  the  emotions  of  pride  that  arose  in 
iier  heart,  for  she  knew  that  her  son  had  done  his 
kty. 

Numerous  were  the  questions  that  were  asked 
md  answered,  on  both  sides.  Frank  was  obliged 
to  relate,  over  and  over  again,  the  story  of  his 
capture  and  escape,  until  Aunt  Hannah  thrust  her 
head  into  the  room,  with  the  announcement  that 
supper  was  ready. 

"When  the  meal  was  finished,  Frank  removed  hia 


10  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

trunk  into  his  study.  Every  thing  there  was  just 
as  he  left  it:  the  fore-and-aft  schooner,  and  the 
box  inclosing  the  scene  at  sea,  still  stood  upon 
the  bureau;  his  sporting  cabinet  hung  on  the 
frame  at  the  foot  of  the  bed;  the  Httle  clock  on 
the  mantel-piece  ticked  as  musically  as  in  days 
of  yore ;  and  the  limb  of  the  rose-bush  that  cov- 
ered his  window  flapped  against  the  house  just  as 
it  did  the  night  when  it  was  broken  ojff  by  the 
storm. 

After  he  had  taken  a  fond,  lingering  look  at 
each  familiar  object,  he  went  into  the  museum,  ac- 
companied by  his  mother  and  sister,  while  Brave 
ran  on  before.  Julia  opened  the  door,  and  there 
stood  the  wild-cat,  just  as  he  looked  when  the 
young  naturalist  had  encountered  him  in  the 
woods.  Frank  remembered  how  the  cold  sweat 
had  started  out  from  every  pore  in  his  body  when 
he  first  found  himself  face  to  face  with  this  "  ugly 
customer,"  and  he  could  not  help  smiHng  when  he 
thou2:ht  how  terrified  he  was.  As  he  walked 
slowly  around  the  museum,  examining  all  the 
specimens,  as  though  he  had  never  seen  them  be- 
fore, he  thought  over  the  little  history  of  each. 
There  was  the  buck  that  he  and  Archie  had  killed 


HOME   AGAIN.  11 

in  the  lake,  when  they  lost  their  guns,  and  the 
latter  had  wished  they  "  had  never  seen  the  deer." 
Then  came  the  owl,  which  Frank  had  shot  on  that 
rainy  morning  when  Archie  had  felt  so  certain  of 
his  prize.  Then  there  was  the  white  buck,  which 
the  boys  had  rescued  from  the  wolves  only  to 
have  him  killed  by  a  panther.  Next  came  the 
moose  with  which  Frank  had  struggled  so  des- 
perately in  the  woods,  and  from  which  he  had 
been  rescued  by  the  trapper  and  his  dog.  The 
skin  of  the  bear,  which  he  had  trapped,  and  fol- 
lowed to  the  cave,  and  that  of  the  panther  that 
killed  the  white  buck,  still  hung  on  a  nail  behind 
the  door,  where  he  had  left  them  after  his  return 
from  the  woods. 

After  examining  every  thing  to  his  satisfaction, 
he  went  into  the  shanty  behind  the  museum, 
where  he  kept  his  pets.  The  raccoons,  which  had 
become  so  tame  that  Julia  allowed  them  to  run 
about,  started  away  at  his  approach;  but  the 
squirrels  and  otter  recognized  him  at  once ;  and 
while  one  ran  down  into  his  pockets  in  search  for 
Quts,  the  other  came  toward  him,  uttering  a  faint 
whine,  and  looked  up  as  if  expecting  the  piece  of 
cracker  which  Frank,  in  former  days,  had  always 


12  FRAKK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

taken  especial  care  to  provide  for  him.  "While 
Frank  was  caressing  the  little  animal,  the  king- 
birds and  crow  flew  into  the  shanty.  The  former 
were  now  five  in  number,  the  old  birds  having 
raised  a  nestful  of  young  ones,  which  were  no  less 
efficient  in  driving  every  bird  from  the  orchard,  or 
less  lenient  to  the  crow,  than  their  parents.  The 
old  king-birds  lit  on  Frank's  shoulders,  while  Daw 
seemed  to  prefer  his  master's  uniform  cap,  and 
was  about  to  take  possession  of  it,  when  his  ene- 
mies straightway  commenced  a  fight,  and  the  pooi 
crow,  after  a  desperate  resistance,  was  driven  from 
the  shanty. 

Perhaps  the  reader  would  like  to  know  what 
has  become  of  the  young  moose  and  the  cubs 
which  Frank  captured  during  his  visit  at  the 
trapper's  cabin.  Well,  they  have  good  quarters, 
and  are  well  provided  for  at  Uncle  Mike's,  the 
same  who  assisted  the  young  naturalist  on  the 
morning  when  we  saw  him  trying  to  get  his  scow 
up  to  his  work-shop.  The  moose  has  about  an 
acre  of  pasture  allowed  him.  He  is  as  tame  and 
gentle  as  ever,  never  attempting  to  escape.  Uncle 
Mike  has  put  this  entirely  out  of  his  power,  for 
he  is  surrounded  by  a  ten-rail  fence.     The  animal 


HOME   AGAIN.  13 

more  than  pays  for  his  keeping,  and  many  a  load 
of  wood  has  he  drawn  up  to  Mike's  door  for  the 
use  of  his  family. 

The  cubs,  which  are  considerably  larger  than 
when  we  last  saw  them,  are  a  source  of  a  great 
deal  of  annoyance  to  the  honest  Irishman.  They 
are  still  as  playful  as  ever,  and  amuse  themselves 
all  day  long  in  turning  somersaults  and  wrestling 
with  each  other ;  but  Mike  has  learned  to  "  stand 
from  under."  He  can  generally  defend  .  himself 
against  the  attacks  of  one  of  the  cubs,  but  the 
other  is  always  ready  to  lend  assistance,  and  the 
Irishman  is  invariably  worsted.  He  keeps  them 
confined  in  a  building  that  once  served  as  a 
smoke-house;  and  not  daring  to  trust  himself 
within  reach  of  their  paws,  he  gives  them  their 
food  through  the  window. 

It  was  dark  before  Frank  had  seen  and  heard 
enough  to  satisfy  him  to  return  to  the  cottage. 
The  evening  was  spent  in  listening  to  his  stories 
of  gun-boat  life  on  the  Mississippi,  and  it  was 
midnight  before  he  retired  to  his  room.  The 
Newfoundlander,  which  had  been  close  at  his  mas- 
ter's side  ever  since  he  returned,  scarcely  leaving 
him  for  a  moment,  followed  him  into  his  study, 


14  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBUR(J. 

and  took  possession  of  the  rug  before  the  door. 
After  winding  up  the  clock  that  stood  on  the 
mantel,  and  setting  the  alarm,  Frank  put  out  the 
light,  and  tumbled  into  bed.  Although  he  was 
pretty  well  tired-out,  he  did  not  hesitate  a  moment 
to  answer  the  summons  of  the  little  bell  that  rang 
at  four  o'clock,  but  was  out  on  the  floor  almost 
before  the  notes  of  the  alarm  had  ceased.  In  a 
few  moments  he  was  dressed;  and  taking  his  fish- 
pole  and  basket,  which  hung  on  the  rack  at  the 
foot  of  the  bed,  accompanied  by  Brave,  set  out 
with  the  intention  of  paying  a  visit  to  the  lake  in 
the  swamp,  which  had  been  the  scene  of  the  fight 
with  the  buck. 

As  he  walked  along  up  the  road,  the  associa- 
tions connected  with  each  locality  were  recalled  to 
his  mind.  Here  was  the  place  where  the  black 
fox,  which  had  so  long  held  possession  of  Rey- 
nard's Island,  had  crossed  the  creek  with  Spoilt — 
"the  dog  that  had  never  lost  a  fox" — following 
close  on  his  trail.  There  was  the  tree  leaning 
out  over  the  creek,  behind  which  Ai'chie  had 
crept  for  concealment  when  in  pursuit  of  the 
canvas-backs;  and  a  little  further  on  was  the 
bridge   which    they  had   crossed   on   that   rainy 


HOME  AGAIN.  15 

morning  that  the  geese  had  taken  refuge  in  the 
Bwamp. 

Frank  feasted  his  eyes  on  each  familiar  object 
as  he  walked  along,  until  he  arrived  at  the  end 
of  the  road,  where  stood  Uncle  Mike's  rustic 
cottage.  As  he  approached,  that  individual  ap- 
peared at  the  door,  shaded  his  eyes  with  his  hand, 
gazed  at  our  hero  for  a  moment,  and  then  sprang 
out,  and  greeted  him  with — 

"Arrah,  Master  Frank!  is  this  you,  me  boy?" 

"Yes,  Uncle  Mike,  it's  I,"  answered  Frank, 
extending  his  hand  to  the  man,  who  shook  it 
heartily,  while  tears  of  genuine  joy  rolled  down 
}iis  cheeks.     "  I  'm  back  again,  safe  and  sound." 

"It's  me  ownsilf  that's  glad  to  see  you," 
said  Mike.  "I  heered  you  was  kilt  intirely  by 
the  rebels;  bad  luck  to  the  likes  o'  them.  But 
come  with  me.  Master  Frank ;  ye 's  been  fightin' 
rebels,  but  I've  been  fighting  them  varmints  ye 
ketched  in  the  woods." 

The  Irishman  led  the  way  to  the  building  in 
which  the  cubs  were  confined,  and  opened  the 
blind  which  protected  the  window,  to  allow  Frank 
to  look  in.  He  could  scarcely  recognize  in  the 
large,   shaggy   forms   that   were   tumbling    about 


16  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURO. 

over  the  floor,  the  small,  weak  cubs  which  he  had 
carried  for  twenty  miles  in  the  pocket  of  his  over- 
coat. 

As  soon  as  the  window  was  opened,  they  raised 
themselves  on  their  haunches,  and  endeavored  to 
reach  Uncle  Mike's  red-flannel  cap,  an  article  he 
had  worn  ever  since  Frank  could  remember. 

"Aisy,  aisy,  there,  you  blackguards!"  ex- 
claimed Mike,  endeavoring  to  ward  off  the  blows 
which  the  cubs  aimed  at  him.  "Can't  yees  be 
aisy,  I  say?  That's  the  way  they  always  do, 
Master  Frank ;  me  old  cap  seems  to  give  'em  a 
deal  of  throuble." 

After  amusing  himself  for  some  time  in  watch- 
ing the  motions  of  the  clumsy  animals,  Frank  fol- 
lowed Uncle  Mike  to  the  pen  in  which  the  moose 
was  kept.  He  had  grown  finely,  was  nearly  as 
large  as  a  horse,  and  his  head  was  furnished  with 
a  pair  of  wide-spreading  antlers,  the  sight  of 
which  made  Frank  shudder,  and  recall  to  mind 
thai  iesperate  fight  in  the  woods,  and  his  narrow 
escape  from  death.  The  moose  was  very  gentle, 
and  allowed  his  young  master  to  lead  him  about 
the  yard,  and  would  come  at  his  call  as  readily 
as  a  dog. 


HOME   AGAIN.  17 

After  seeing  the  animal  ^' shown  off"  to  his 
best  advantages,  Frank  got  into  Uncle  Mike's 
skiff,  and  pulled  up  the  creek  toward  the  lake. 
Half  an  hour's  rowing  brought  him  to  the  point 
behind  which  he  and  his  cousin  had  captured  the 
eider-ducks,  and  where  they  had  first  caught  sight 
of  the  buck.  After  making  his  skiff  fast  to  a 
tree  on  the  bank,  he  rigged  his  pole,  baited  his 
hook,  and  dropped  it  into  the  water.  Almost 
instantly  a  sudden  jerk  showed  him  that  the  "  old 
perch-hole"  had  still  plenty  of  occupants,  and  in 
a  moment  more  a  fish  lay  floundering  in  the 
bottom  of  the  boat. 

We  need  not  say  that  Frank  enjoyed  himself 
hugely  during  the  hour  and  a  half  that  he  re- 
mained in  the  lake.  The  fish  bit  voraciously,  and 
the  sport  was  exciting,  especially  as  it  had  been 
so  long  since  Frank  had  had  an  opportunity  to 
engaire  in  his  favorite  recreation.  But  his  con- 
science  would  not  allow  him  to  "  wantonly  waste 
the  good  things  of  God,"  and,  when  he  had  caught 
enough  for  his  breakfast,  he  unfastened  his  skiff 
and  pulled  toward  home. 

Frank  spent  the  forenoon  in  recounting  somo 
of  his  adventures  to  his  mother  and  Julia,  of 
2 


18  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURO. 

"wliicli  they  seemed  never  to  grow  weary.  When 
Aunt  Hannah  announced  that  dinner  was  ready, 
he  lingered  for  a  moment  on  the  portico  to  watch 
the  movements  of  a  flock  of  ducks,  which,  in 
company  with  the  old  ones,  the  same  that  he  and 
Archie  had  captured  in  the  lake,  were  swimming 
about  in  the  creek  in  front  of  the  house;  but,  as 
he  was  about  to  follow  his  mother  into  the  dining- 
room,  he  heard  a  loud  scream,  which  seemed 
to  come  from  above  him,  and  looked  up  just  in 
time  to  see  a  bald  eagle  swoop  down  upon  the 
ducks.  The  old  ones  uttered  their  notes  of  alarm, 
and,  rising  from  the  water,  flew  over  the  cottage 
toward  the  barn,  while  the  ducklings  darted  under 
the  leaves  of  the  lilies.  But  one  was  too  late; 
for,  as  the  eagle  arose  in  the  air,  he  bore  off  his 
prize. 

Frank  immediately  ran  into  the  house  for 
his  gun,  determined  that  the  life  of  the  eagle 
should  pay  for  that  of  the  duck ;  but  on  his  re- 
turn he  found  that  the  robber  was  already  being 
severely  punished  for  the  mischief  he  had  done. 
Daw  and  the  king-bivds,  which  seemed  to  liave  an 
idea  that  something  unusual  was  going  on,  had 
attacked  hun  with  a  fury  that  Frank  had  never 


HOME   AGAIN.  19 

before  witnessed.  The  eagle  was  flying,  zigzag, 
through  the  air,  but  was  met  at  every  point  by  his 
tormentors.  Frank,  who  dared  not  fire  for  fear 
of  wounding  his  pets,  ran  down  the  walk,  sprang 
over  the  fence,  and  awaited  the  issue  of  the  fight, 
hoping  that  the  eagle  would  be  compelled  to  take 
refuge  in  one  of  the  trees  that  grew  on  the  bank 
of  the  creek.  Nor  was  he  mistaken ;  for  the  rob- 
ber, finding  that  he  could  not  escape  his  ene- 
mies, settled  down  on  a  limb  but  a  short  distance 
off,  and,  after  deliberately  folding  his  wings, 
snapped  his  beak,  as  if  defying  them  to  keep  up 
the  contest.  The  king-birds  seated  themselves  on 
the  branches  above  his  head,  and  commenced  their 
angry  twittering,  and  Daw  joined  in  with  a  loud 
"  caw,  caw." 

This  seemed  to  be  the  first  intimation  that  the 
king-birds  had  received  of  his  presence,  for  they 
straightway  flew  at  him,  and  Daw,  although  he  had 
lent  effective  assistance  in  fighting  the  eagle,  did 
not  stop  to  resist,  but  beat  a  hasty  retreat  toward 
the  cottage.  This  seemed  a  favorable  moment  for 
the  eagle ;  he  leaped  from  his  perch,  and  was  fly- 
ing off  with  his  booty,  when  the  report  of  Frank's 
gun  brought  him  to  the  ground.     The  young  nat- 


20  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

aralist  shouldered  his  prize,  and  was  starting 
toward  the  house,  when  a  voice  called  out: 

"  Halloo,  there !  At  your  old  tricks  again  so 
soon?" 

Frank  looked  up,  and  saw  Harry  Butler  coming 
toward  him.  Neither  had  dreamed  of  the  presence 
of  the  other  in  the  village,  and  the  cordial  manner 
in  which  the  two  friends  greeted  each  other  proved 
that  their  long  separation  had  not  lessened  their 
affection.  But  Frank  noticed  at  once  that  his 
friend  was  greatly  changed.  He  looked  haggard 
and  careworn;  he  was  no  longer  the  wild,  impet- 
uous Harry ;  he  had  grown  more  sedate ;  and  his 
face,  which  had  once  beamed  with  a  smile  for 
avery  one,  now  wore  a  look  of  sorrow,  for  which 
Frank  could  not  account.  It  is  true  that  he  no- 
ticed that  Harry  carried  his  arm  in  a  shng,  but  he 
knew  that  it  was  not  bodily  suffering  that  had 
caused  that  look  of  sadness. 

"Harry,  what  is  the  matter  with  you?"  was 
his  first  question.  "  You  look  completely  worn 
out." 

"  So  I  am,"  was  the  answer.  "  Let  us  sit  down 
on  this  log,  and  I  '11  tell  you  all  about  it.  I  've 
often  been  here  to  visit  your  folks,"  he  continued, 


HOME   AGAIN.  21 

"never  expecting  to  see  you  again,  as  I  learned 
that  you  had  been  captured,  and  afterward  shot, 
while  trying  to  escape.  You  say  I  look  worn  out; 
so  would  you  if  your  only  brother  was  a  prisoner 
in  the  hands  of  the  rebels,  held  as  a  hostage, 
and  every  moment  expecting  to  be  hung.  George 
is  in  that  situation,  and  I  look  upon  his  death,  not 
only  as  a  possible,  but  a  very  probable  thing.  It 
has  been  a  hard  task  for  me  to  convince  myself 
that,  if  I  should  live  to  return  home  after  the 
war,  I  should  be  alone,  as  I  certainly  thought  I 
should  be  when  I  heard  that  you  had  been  shot, 
and  that  George  was  not  much  better  off.  I  had 
made  up  my  mind  to  pass  my  furlough  in  the 
house,  for  I  did  n't  want  to  have  any  one  near 
me ;  but,  now  that  you  are  here,  I  want  to  visit 
all  our  old  haunts  again.  Let  us  take  a  walk  in 
the  woods.  Bring  your  dinner  along  with  you  *  I 
have  n't  had  mine  yet." 

In  accordance  with  Harry's  suggestion,  a  bas- 
ket was  filled  with  eatables,  and  fth^f  boys  bent 
their  steps  through  the  orchard  toward  the 
meadow  that  lay  between  the  cottage  and  the 
woods.  As  they  walked  along,  Frank  related 
some  of  the  interesting  incidents  of  his  life  in  the 


22  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

service,  and  Harry  finally  began  to  recover  his 
usual  spirits.  At  length  they  reached  the  cabin 
in  the  woods,  that  had  been  the  scene  of  the  camp 
on  the  day  of  the  raccoon  hunt,  and  here  they 
stopped  to  rest  and  eat  their  dinner. 


HARRY   ON   A   SCOUT. 


23 


CHAPTER   II. 


^r^o 


.HEN  they  had  finished  every  thing 
in  the  basket,  the  boys  threw  them- 
selves on  the  grass  in  front  of  the 
cabin,  and  Harry  said : 

<'I   shall    never    forget    the   last 
time  we  made  our  camp  here— on 
the  day  we  had  that  'coon-hunt,  and 
Archie  fell  into  the  creek.     I've  thought  of  it  a 
great  many  times  since  I  left  home  to  go  into  the 
service,  and  it  makes  me  feel   sad  to   see  how 
things    have    changed.      From    school-boys    and 
amateur   hunters,   who    started   and    turned  pale 
Tvhen  we  heard  the  howl  of  a  wolf  or  the  hooting 
of  an  owl,  you  and  I  have  grown  pretty  well  on 
toward  manhood;    have  become    experienced   in 
scenes  of  danger,  and  have  had  more  narrow  es- 
capes  than  when  we  climbed  up  that  tree  to  get 


24  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

out  of  the  reach  of  the  wolves  that  were  in  pur- 
suit  of  the  white  buck.  But  there  are  some  who 
have  not  been  as  fortunate  as  ourselves.  There  has 
been  a  thinning  out  of  our  ranks,  and  two  good 
fellows  who  have  hunted  with  us  in  these  woods, 
and  slept  under  the  same  blankets  with  us  in  this 
cabin,  we  shall  never  see  again ;  and  the  proba- 
bilities are,  that,  if  we  live  to  return  home  again, 
after  peace  has  been  restored,  and  we  go  tramp- 
ing around  through  these  woods,  to  visit  all  our 
old  hunting  and  fishing-grounds,  we  shall  miss  a 
third.  Ben  Lake  and  William  Johnson  are  dead ; 
my  brother  is  suffering  in  a  rebel  prison,  and,  from 
what  I  have  seen  and  heard  of  the  manner  in 
which  Union  prisoners  are  treated  at  the  South, 
I  never  expect  to  see  him  again,  even  if  he  is  not 
executed.  Ben  lake,  you  know,  was  a  quiet, 
good-natured  fellow,  scarcely  ever  saying  any 
thing  unless  he  was  first  spoken  to,  and  I  had  an 
idea  that  he  would  be  a  little  cowardly  when  he 
heard  the  bullets  whistling  around  him ;  but  I  was 
never  more  mistaken  in  my  life,  for  he  won  his 
promotion  in  the  very  first  battle  in  which  our 
regiment  was  engaged.  When  I  was  made  cap- 
tain of  our  company,  he  received  the  appoint- 


HARRY   ON  A   SCOUT.  25 

ment  of  first  lieutenant,  and  an  excellent  officer 
he  made.  He  vras  a  splendid  rider,  and  when 
mounted  on  his  horse — 'Thunderholt'  he  called 
him — he  made  a  fine  appearance.  lie  was  no 
band-box  officer,  however,  for  he  never  shrank 
from  his  duty,  and  he  was  above  ordering  one  of 
his  men  to  do  what  he  was  afraid  to  undertake 
himself.  He  and  I  were  prisoners  once  for  about 
forty-eight  hours,  and  the  way  it  happened  was 
this: 

*'Our  regiment,  after  the  battle  of  Pittsburg 
Landing,  was  detached  from  the  Western  army 
and  ordered  to  the  Potomac.  We  had  scarcely 
been  there  a  week  before  we  were  sent  out  on  a 
Bcout,  with  orders  to  capture  Mosby,  who  was 
constantly  harassing  us,  and  scatter  his  command. 
We  were  out  about  ten  days,  without  accomplish- 
ing our  object.  Not  a  single  glimpse  did  we  get 
of  a  reb,  and  finally  we  turned  our  faces  toward 
the  camp.  Our  horses,  as  well  as  ourselves,  were 
nearly  jaded,  and  the  way  we  do  there,  when  a 
horse  gives  out,  is  to  put  a  bullet  through  his 
head,  shoulder  our  saddles,  and  trudge  along 
after  the  column  on  foot,  until  we  can  find  an- 
other animal  to  ride.     I  had  command  of  the  rear 


26  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

guard;  and  -when  we  had  arrived  within  a  day'a 
march  of  camp,  my  horse  suddenly  gave  out — laid 
right  down  in  the  middle  of  the  road,,  and  could  n't 
go  a  step  further.  I  was  in  something  of  a  fix, 
and  my  feelings  were  none  of  the  pleasantest 
when  I  found  myself  sprawling  in  the  dusty  road, 
and  saw  that  my  horse  was  used  up.  It  wa? 
something  of  an  undertaking  to  find  my  way  bad 
to  camp,  through  a  country  infested  with  guer- 
rillas, and  with  which  I  was  entirely  unacquainted. 
It  is  true  that  I  could  have  had  a  horse,  as  sev- 
eral were  at  once  ofi'ered  me  by  my  men;  but  I 
could  not  be  mean  enough  to  save  my  own  bacon 
by  leaving  one  of  those  brave  fellows  behind;  so 
I  told  Ben  to  go  ahead  with  the  company,  keep- 
ing a  good  look-out  for  a  horse,  and  if  he  could 
find  one,  to  send  it  back  to  me.  I  then  shot  my 
animal ;  and  it  was  a  job  I  hated  to  do,  I  tell  you, 
for  he  was  as  fine  a  horse  as  ever  stepped;  he 
had  carried  me  many  a  long  mile,  and  being  my 
constant  companion  for  almost  a  year  and  a  half, 
I  had  become  very  much  attached  to  him.  But 
there  was  no  help  for  it ;  our  orders  were  strict ; 
and  I  shouldered  my  saddle,  and  marched  after 
the  column,  which  was  soon  out  of  sight. 


HARRY   ON   A   SCOUT.  27 

"  I  walked  along  at  a  pretty  lively  pace,  keep- 
ing a  good  look-out  on  each  side  of  the  road 
for  horses,  and  now  and  then  looking  behind,  half 
expecting  to  see  a  squad  of  Mosby's  cavalry  in 
pursuit,  until  I  was  startled  by  the  report  of  a 
pistol  directly  in  front  of  me,  and,  coming  sud- 
denly around  a  bend  in  the  road,  I  found  Ben  sit- 
ting beside  his  horse,  which  had  also  given  out, 
waiting  for  me  to  come  up.  As  I  approached, 
glad  enough  that  I  was  not  left  to  find  my  way 
back  to  camp  alone,  Ben  picked  up  his  saddle,  and 
glancing  sorrowfully  at  the  work  he  had  done, 
said: 

"'There's  an  end  of  poor  Thunderbolt — the 
best  horse  in  the  regiment.  It  has  no  doubt  saved 
him  many  a  long  scout,  but  I  never  felt  so  sorry 
for  any  thing  in  my  life.' 

"It  was  hard  work,  walking  along  that  dusty 
road,  carrying  our  heavy  saddles,  and  we  anxiously 
scanned  every  field  which  we  passed,  in  hopes 
that  we  should  find  some  stray  horse ;  but  without 
success.  About  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
we  reached  a  cross-road,  and  then  we  knew  where 
we  were.  We  had  frequently  been  there  on  short 
scouts ;  so,  without  stopping  to  keep  any  further 


28  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

look-out  for  horses,  we  quickened  our  pace,  and 
about  two  miles  further  on,  arrived  at  the  house 
of  a  ladj  with  whom  we  were  well  acquainted, 
and  who,  as  we  had  always  considered  her  loyal, 
had  been  allowed  to  remain  in  undisturbed  posses- 
sion of  her  property,  which  our  regiment  had  once 
defended  against  Mosby's  men.  Here  we  halted, 
and  asked  the  lady  if  she  could  furnish  us  with 
some  dinner.  She  replied  in  the  affirmative,  and 
we  deposited  our  saddles  in  one  corner  of  the 
room,  while  the  woman  began  to  bustle  about. 
In  half  an  hour  as  good  a  dinner  as  I  ever  tasted 
in  that  part  of  the  country  was  served  up,  and 
Ben  and  I  sat  down  to  it  with  most  ravenous 
appetites.  Before  sitting  down,  I  should  men- 
tion, we  took  off  our  belts,  to  which  were  fastened 
our  sabers  and  revolvers,  and  laid  them  in  the 
corner  with  our  saddles ;  a  very  foolish  trick, 
as  it  afterward  proved;  but,  as  we  were  within 
fifteen  miles  of  camp,  we  did  not  apprehend  any 
danger. 

"After  our  hostess  had  seen  us  fairly  started, 
she  said: 

" '  You  will  excuse  me  for  a  few  moments,  gentle- 
men, as  I  would  like  to  run  over  to  see  my  sister^ 


HARRY   ON  A   SCOUT.  29 

who  is  very  sick.  Will  you  keep  an  eye  on  the 
baby  ? '  she  continued,  pointing  to  the  small  speci- 
men of  humanity  in  question,  which  lay  fast  asleep 
in  the  cradle. 

"'Yes,'  answered  Ben,  *I'll  see  to  him;'  and 
the  woman  started  off,  leaving  us  to  finish  our  din- 
ner and  attend  to  the  child. 

"  She  had  n't  been  gone  two  minutes  before  the 
young  one  awoke,  and,  of  course,  began  to  yell. 
We  didn't  know  what  to  do,  for  it  was  new 
business  to  us.  After  trying  in  vain  to  make  it 
hush,  Ben  took  it  out  of  the  cradle,  and  began  to 
trot  it  up  and  down  on  his  knee.  But  it  was  no 
use,  and  he  finally  put  it  back,  determined  to  let 
it  cry  until  it  got  ready  to  stop,  when  I  happened 
to  think  of  the  sugar-bowl.  That  was  just  the 
thing.  Ben  took  good  care  to  keep  hs  mouth  so 
full  of  sugar  that  it  couldn't  yell,  and  we  suc- 
ceeded in  keeping  it  pretty  still. 

"In  about  half  an  hour  the  woman  returned, 
and,  in  reply  to  our  inquiries,  informed  us  that 
her  sister  was  considerably  better,  and  she  hoped 
would  be  well  in  a  few  days.  She  then  commenced 
talking  on  indifferent  subjects ;  and  we  finally 
finished  every  thing  on  the  table,  and  were  think- 


30  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

ing  about  starting  for  camp,  Tvhen  some  one  sud* 
denly  called  out : 

"  ^  Here  !  here !  Get  up,  you  Yanks.  Get  up 
from  that  table.' 

"We  looked  up,  and  there,  standing  in  the 
door-way,  with  their  revolvers  leveled  at  our 
heads,  were  two  rebels — Colonel  Mosby  and  a 
corporal. 

"*I've  fixed  you!'  exclaimed  the  woman,  tri- 
umphantly. 'You  didn't  think  that  while  you 
were  stealing  my  chickens,  and  abusing  me,  that 
I  would  ever  have  the  power  on  my  side.' 

"  The  old  hag  had  betrayed  us.  She  had  invented 
the  story  of  her  sick  sister,  in  order  that  her 
absence  might  not  cause  us  any  suspicions,  and 
had  left  the  child  for  us  to  take  care  of,  so  that 
we  should  be  obliged  to  remain  until  she  returned. 
The  story  of  stealing  her  chickens,  and  abusing 
her,  was  a  mere  pretext ;  for  our  orders  to  respect 
her  property  were  strict,  and  we  had  not  dared  to 
disobey  them. 

"  '  There  's  only  one  thing  that  I  am  sorry  for, 
madam,'  said  Ben,  coolly,  'and  that  is,  that  I 
didn't  choke  that  young  one  of  yours.' 

" '  Come,  come,  there  ! '  interrupted  the  colonel, 


HARRY  ON   A   SCOUT.  31 

'Get  up  from  behind  tliat  table  at  once,  or  you 
are  dead  men  ! ' 

*' '  We  're  gobbled  easy  enough,  Harry/  said 
Ben,  in  his  usual  careless  manner,  as  we  arose 
from  our  chairs.  *Well,  I  suppose  there's  no 
help  for  it,  seeing  that  we  have  no  weapons.  What 
do  you  intend  to  do  with  a  fellow,  Johnny  ? ' 

" '  Take  you  direct  to  Richmond,'  was  the  en- 
couraging answer,  made  by  the  corporal,  as  he 
walked  across  the  room  and  took  possession  of 
our  arms.     *Come  out  here!' 

"We  had  no  other  alternative;  so  we  marched 
out  in  front  of  the  house,  our  captors  mounted 
their  horses,  and  we  trudged  along  before  them 
on  foot  toward  Centerville. 

"You  have  been  a  prisoner,  and  can  easily  im- 
agine the- thoughts  that  passed  through  our  minds. 
We  saw' before  us  a  long,  fatiguing  march,  with 
hard  fare,  and  harder  treatment,  and  the  dreaded 
Libby  looming  up  in  the  background.  But  we 
were  not  allowed  much  time  to  commune  with  our 
own  thoughts,  for  Mosby  immediately  began  to 
question  us  in  relation  to  the  forces  we  ha(J  iu 
different  parts  of  the  country.  Of  course  we  told 
him  some  of  the  most  outrageous  stories,  but  he 


32  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

seemed  to  put  some  faith  in  them;  and  when  we 
reached  the  cross-road  he  left  us,  after  ordering 
the  corporal  to  take  us  to  Culpepper. 

"As  soon  as  the  colonel  had  got  out  of  sight, 
the  corporal  began  to  abuse  us  in  the  worst  kind 
of  a  manner,  swearing  at  us,  and  calling  us  Abo- 
litionists and  the  like;  and  said  that  if  he  could 
have  his  own  way  he  would  hang  us  on  the  near- 
est tree.  We  told  him  that  it  was  a  mean  trick 
to  treat  prisoners  in  that  way,  and  advised  him 
to  keep  a  civil  tongue  in  his  head,  as  the  tables 
might  be  turned  on  him  some  day ;  but  he  paid  no 
attention  to  us,  and  kept  on  jaAving,  until  finally, 
just  before  night,  we  reached  Centerville. 

"  We  stopped  at-  a  house  near  the  middle  of  the 
town,  where  we  were  treated  very  kindly  by  the 
people,  who  gave  us  plenty  to  eat,  but  told  us 
that  we  were  fighting  on  the  wrong  side.  After 
supper,  the  corporal  took  us  out  to  the  barn, 
where  he  proceeded  to  *go  thi'ough'  us  pretty 
thoroughly.  He  robbed  me  of  twenty  dollars  in 
greenbacks,  a  watch,  comb,  several  letters — in 
short,  he  did  not  leave  me  any  thing.  After 
overhauling  Ben's  pockets,  he  ordered  him  to 
*come   out  of  his    coat,'   which  he   did   without 


HARRY   ON   A   SCOUT.  33 

a  grumble;  and  after  cutting  ojQf  the  shoulder- 
straps — because  Ben  *  would  n't  need  'em  any 
more,'  he  said — he  put  the  coat  on  his  own  back, 
locked  the  barn,  and  left  us  to  our  meditations. 
As  soon  as  the  sound  of  his  footsteps  had  died 
away,  I  said : 

" '  Ben,  I  'm  going  to  get  out  of  here,  if  I 
can.' 

"  *A11  rifi^ht,'  said  he :  *feel  around  on  the  floor 
and  see  if  you  can't  find  something  to  force  that 
door  open  with.  How  I  wish  I  had  that  young 
one  here!  I  wouldn't  feed  it  with  sugar,  I  tell 
you.' 

"  We  commenced  groping  about  in  the  darkness, 
but  not  a  thing  in  the  shape  of  a  club  could 
be  found.  Then  we  placed  our  shoulders  against 
the  door,  and  pressed  with  all  our  strength ;  but 
it  was  too  strong  to  be  forced  from  its  hinges, 
and  the  floor  was  so  securely  fastened  down,  that 
it  could  not  be  pulled  up ;  so,  after  working  until 
we  were  completely  exhausted,  we  sat  down  on 
the  floor  to  rest. 

" '  We  're  in  for  it,'  said  Ben. 

"  <  But  I  'm  not  going  to  Libby,  now  I  tell  you,' 
I  answered.  *  To-morrow  we  shall  probably  start 
3 


34  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

for  Culpepper,  under  guard  of  that  corpoial;  and 
the  very  first  chance,  I  'm  going  to  mizzle.' 

"Ben  made  no  reply,  but  I  ^Yell  knew  what  he 
was  thinking  about.  After  a  few  more  ineffectual 
attempts,  we  then  lay  down  on  the  hard  boards, 
and  tried  to  go  to  sleep ;  but  that  was,  for  a  long 
time,  out  of  the  question. 

"  Our  situation  was  not  one  calculated  to  quiet 
our  feehngs  much,  and  as  we  rolled  about  the 
floor,  trying  to  find  a  comfortable  position,  I  could 
hear  Ben  venting  his  spite  against  *  that  brat.' 
He  did  not  seem  to  think  of  the  woman  who  had 
betrayed  us. 

*'AVe  passed  a  most  miserable  night,  and  at 
daylight  were  awakened  with : 

"  '  Come  out  here,  you  Yanks.  It 's  high  time 
you  were  moving  toward  Libby.' 

"  That  rascally  corporal  seemed  to  delight  in 
tormenting  us ;  but  there  was  only  one  thing  we 
could  do,  and  that  was  to  ^grin  and  bear  it.' 
After  a  hasty  breakfast,  we  again  set  out,  the 
corporal  following  close  behind  us  on  his  horse, 
with  a  revolver  in  his  hand,  ready  to  shoot  the 
fij'St  one  that  made  an  attempt  at  escape.  We 
kept  on,  stopping  only  once  or  twice  for  water, 


UARRY   OX   A   SCOUT.  35 

until  we  reached  the  Bull  Run  bridge.  Here  the 
corporal  stopped,  and  called  out : 

" '  Come  here,  one  of  jou  fellers,  and  hold  mj 
horse.' 

"  I  did  as  he  ordered,  and  the  rebel  dismounted, 
bent  down  on  one  knee,  and  commenced  fixing 
his  spur.  My  mind  was  made  up  in  an  instant. 
It  was  now  or  never.  Giving  a  yell  to  attract 
Ben's  attention,  I  sprang  at  the  rebel,  caught  him 
around  the  neck,  and  rolled  him  over  on  his  back. 
He  kicked  and  swore  furiously,  and  if  I  had  been 
alone,  he  would  most  likely  have  got  the  better  of 
me ;  but  Ben,  being  close  at  hand,  caught  up  the 
revolver,  which  the  rebel  had  laid  on  the  ground 
beside  him,  and  in  a  moment  more  I  had  secured 
his  saber.  He  saw  that  further  resistance  was 
useless,  and  bawled  out : 

"  '  Do  n't  shoot,  Yank.  Do  n't  shoot  me,  for 
mercy's  sake!' 

"* Nobody's  going  to  hurt  you  if  you  behave 
yourself,'  said  Ben.     *  Get  up.' 

"  The  rebel  raised  himself  to  his  feet,  and  I  at 
once  began  to  'sound'  him,  as  we  call  it.  I  got 
back  my  watch,  money,  and  every  thing  else  he 
had   taken  from   us  the  night  before.     We  then 


36  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

ordered  him  to  travel  on  ahead  of  us,  and,  as 
Ben's  feet  were  so  badly  swollen  that  he  could 
scarcely  move,  I  told  him  to  get  on  the  horse, 
while  I  walked  along  by  his  side.  We  passed 
back  through  Centerville,  keeping  a  good  look-out 
for  rebel  scouts,  which  we  knew  were  in  the  vi- 
cinity, but  we  did  not  meet  with  any  of  them 
until  along  toward  night,  when  we  heard  a  yell, 
and,  looking  up,  saw  half  a  dozen  cavalry  charg- 
ing across  the  field  toward  us. 

"  ^  I  guess  we  're  gobbled  again,  captain,'  said 
Ben. 

"  ^  Not  if  our  legs  hold  out,'  I  answered.  ^  Get 
down  off  that  horse,  quick.  We  must  foot  it, 
now.' 

"Ben  hastily  dismounted,  and,  catching  our 
prisoner  by  the  arm,  we  pulled  him  over  a  fence, 
through  the  woods,  and  into  a  swamp,  where  we 
fastened  him  to  a  tree.  We  then  tied  a  hand- 
kerchief over  his  mouth,  to  prevent  h'm  from 
makinoj  his  whereabouts  known  to  his  friends,  and 
made  the  best  of  our  way  to  the  camp,  which  we 
reached  about  daylight.  We  at  once  reported  to 
the  colonel,  who  sent  us  back  with  our  company 
after  the  prisoner ;  but  he  was  gone.     His  friends 


HARRY   ON   A   SCOUT.  87 

had  doubtless  discovered  him,  and  released  him 
from  his  unpleasant  situation.  The  woman  who 
betrayed  us  paid  the  penalty  of  her  treachery. 
Iler  house  was  burned  over  her  head,  and  her 
husband,  whom  she  had  reported  to  us  as  dead, 
but  who  was  found  concealed  in  the  barn,  was 
taken  back  to  the  camp  a  prisoner." 


38  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBUKQ. 


CHAPTER  in. 

Y  the  time  Harry  had  finished  his 
^■^fi^y-  story,  it  was  almost  sundown. 
w^  Putting  the  cabin  in  order,  and 
fastening  the  door,  the  boys  then 
started  for  home.  After  a  hearty  sup- 
per at  the  cottage,  different  plans  for 
their  amusement  were  discussed  and  determined 
upon.  If  time  would  allow,  we  might  relate  many 
interesting  incidents  that  transpired  during  the 
month  they  spent  together;  how,  one  day,  the 
young  moose  ran  away  with  Uncle  Mike's  wood' 
wagon  and  upset  the  boys  in  the  road.  We  might, 
among  others,  tell  of  the  hunting  and  fishing  ex- 
peditions that  came  off,  and  the  trials  of  speed 
that  took  place  on  the  river,  when  the  Speedwell 
showed  that  she  had  lost  none  of  her  saihng 
qualities'  during  the  year  and  a  half  that  she  had 


ON   DUTY   AGAIN.  39 

icraained  idle  in  the  sKop ;  but  one  incident  that 
happened  will  suflBce. 

It  was  on  the  morning  of  the  last  day  that  they 
were  to  pass  together,  as  Frank's  sick-leave  had 
expired,  and  he  must  soon  bid  adieu  to  home  and 
friends  again,  perhaps  forever.  This  day  had 
been  set  apart  for  a  fishing  excursion;  and, 
bright  and  early,  Frank  was  at  Captain  Butler's 
boat-house,  where  he  found  Harry  waiting  for 
him.  When  the  bait  and  every  thing  else  neces- 
sary for  the  trip  had  been  stowed  away  in  the 
skiff,  the  boys  pulled  into  the  river,  and  after 
spending  an  hour  in  rowing  about  the  bass-ground, 
during  which  time  they  secured  half  a  dozen  fine 
fish,  they  started  toward  the  perch-bed,  and  an- 
chored outside  the  weeds. 

Although  they  were  remarkably  successful,  they 
did  not  seem  to  enjoy  the  sport.  Frank's  thoughts 
were  constantly  dwelUng  on  the  parting  that  must 
come  on  the  morrow.  It  could  not  be  avoided, 
for  duty  called  him;  and  although  the  idea  of 
disregarding  the  summons  never  once  entered 
into  his  head,  he  could  not  help  condemning  the 
circumstances  that  rendered  that  call  necessary. 
Ilarry,  on  the  other  hand,  was  impatient  to  re« 


40  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

cover  his  health,  as  he  wished  to  rejoin  liij  com- 
mand. While  he  was  free,  and  enjoying  the  de- 
lights of  home,  his  brother  was  languishing  in  a 
Southern  dungeon — held  as  a  hostage  for  a  notori- 
ous guerrilla,  who  had  been  sentenced  to  death — 
not  knowing  at  what  moment  he  might  be  led  forth 
to  execution.  Often,  during  the  time  that  he  and 
Frank  had  been  together,  living  over  the  scenes 
of  their  school-days,  had  Harry's  thoughts  wan- 
dered to  that  brother,  and  it  had  done  much  to 
mar  the  pleasure  he  would  otherwise  have  enjoyed. 
He  imagined  he  could  see  him,  seated  in  his  loath- 
some cell,  loaded  with  chains,  pale  and  weak,  (in 
consequence  of  the  systematic  plan  of  starvation 
adopted  by  the  brutal  authorities  at  Richmond  to 
render  our  brave  fellows  unfit  for  further  service, 
if  they  should  chance  to  live  until  they  were  ex- 
changed,) but  firm  in  the  belief  that  he  had  done 
his  duty,  and  ready  at  any  moment — for  George 
was  far  from  being  a  coward — to  be  sacrificed. 
Harry's  thoughts,  we  repeat,  often  wandered  to 
the  dreaded  Libby,  and  especially  did  they  on  this 
morning.  And  as  he  pictured  to  himself  the 
treatment  that  his  brother  was  daily  receiving  at 
the  hands  of  the  enemies  of  the  government,  is  i* 


ON   DUTY   AGAIN.  41 

to  be  wondered  if  he  indulged  in  feelings  of  the 
deepest  malice  toward  the  inhuman  wretches  who 
could  be  guilty  of  such  barbarity? 

"  There  's  only  this  about  it,  Frank,'*  he  said, 
suddenly  breaking  the  silence  that  had  continued 
for  half  an  hour;  "there's  only  this  about  it:  if 
one  hair  of  George's  head  is  injured,  Company 
M'  of  our  regiment  never  takes  any  more  pris- 
oners; and  if  I  have  no  friendship  for  a  traitor, 
leither  have  I  for  such  men  as  these  who  are  now 
ipproaching." 

Frank  looked  up,  and  saw  Charles  Morgan  and 
William  Gage  rowing  toward  them. 

"Here  is  the  very  spot,"  continued  Harry 
"where  we  met  Morgan  when  you  first  became 
acquainted  with  him,  on  the  morning  when  he 
told  such  outrao^eous  stories  about  the  fishinsr 
there  was  in  New  York  harbor,  and  about  his 
fighting  Indians  in  the  Adirondack  Mountains,  in 
the  northern  part  of  Michigan.  William  Gaore, 
you  know,  used  to  be  first  heutenant  of  the  "  Mid- 
night Rangers." 

"  Yes,  I  remember  them  both,"  answered  Frank. 
"But  it  seems  to  me  that  I  heard  some  one  say 
that  Mr.   Morgan   is   a   rebel   sympathizer;    and 


42  FRANK  BEFORE   TICKSBURO. 

Charlejj  of  course,  not  having  brains  enough  to 
think  for  himself,  is  following  in  his  father's 
lead." 

"So  I  have  heard;  but  he  has  never  said  a 
word  against  the  government,  and  he  'd  better  not, 
for  I  feel  just  like  choking  somebody  this  morn- 
ing; and  if  I  hate  a  rebel,  I  hold  a  domestic 
traitor  in  the  most  profound  abhorrence." 

"  Hullo,  boys  ! "  exclaimed  Charles,  at  this  mo- 
ment, coming  alongside  and  stretching  out  a  hand 
to  each  of  them,  "how  are  you?  I'm  glad  to 
see  you  back  again,  Frank.  But  why  nave  n't 
you  been  around  to  see  a  fellow  ?  You  Ve  kept 
yourselves  very  close  since  your  return." 

"Yes,  Harry  and  I  have  spent  most  of  our 
time  in  the  woods,"  answered  Frank.  "But  we 
part  again  to-morrow." 

"  Going  back  to  your  ship,  eh?  Well,  when  do 
you  suppose  you  will  be  home  again  for  good?" 

"I  don't  know.  If  I  live,  however,  I'm  going 
to  see  this  war  settled  before  I  come  back  to  civil 
life  again." 

"  You  've  had  some  pretty  hard  times  since  you 
have  been  in  the  service,  from  what  I  hear." 

"  Rather  tough,"  answered  Harry. 


ON   DUTY    AGAIN.  43 

**Well  now,  you  see  Bill  and  I  were  too  sharp 
to  go  into  any  such  business  as  that,"  said  Charles, 
knowingly.  "  The  old  man  said,  from  the  start, 
that  you  never  could  whip  the  South." 

"  Well,  your  father  was  never  more  mistaken  in 
his  life,"  answered  Frank.  "We  are  going  to 
bring  back  the  seceded  States,  if  it  takes  every 
man  and  every  dollar  at  the  North.  But  I  don't 
Bee  why  you  do  n't  volunteer.  How  can  you  stay 
at  home?" 

"0,  it  is  the  easiest  thing  in  the  world,"  an- 
swered Charles,  with  a  laugh.  "  In  the  first  place, 
I  think  too  much  of  my  life;  and  then  again,  I 
don't  care  a  snap  which  whips.  I  am  not  inter- 
ested either  way — I'm  neutral." 

"  You  're  no  such  thing,"  answered  Harry,  an- 
grily. "You  never  saw  two  dogs  fight  in  the 
street,  without  wanting  one  or  the  other  of  them 
to  whip,  and  your  sympathies  are  either  one  way 
or  the  other.  There  's  no  such  thing  as  a  neutral 
in  this  war." 

"  Besides,"  said  Frank,  "  if  I  were  in  your  place, 
I  should  be  ashamei  to  say  that  I  was  neutral. 
But  I  hope  that  you  will  be  compelled  to  go  into 
the  army.     Since  you  have  neither  the  intelligence 


44        FRAXE  BEFORE  VICKSBUEG.      * 

to  determine  -which  side  is  in  the  right,  nor  the 
courage  to  fight  for  that  side,  I  hope  that  you  TN'ill 
be  drafted,  and  that  you  can't  find  a  substitute." 
^"  Thank  you,"  replied  Charles,  sneeringly. 
"You  are  very  kind.  But  I,  of  course,  know 
that  this  is  a  free  country,  and  a  man  has  a  right 
to  talk  as  he  pleases." 

"  You  have  no  right  to  utter  treasonable  senti- 
ments," said  Harry;  "  and  another  thing,  I  am  not 
going  to  sit  here  and  listen  to  them." 

"  You  are  not,  indeed !  I  do  n't  see  how  you 
can  hinder  it,"  replied  Charles.  "  I  say  now,  and 
it  makes  no  difi^erence  who  hears  me,  that  I  hope 
the  South  will  whip,  unless  the  North  will  allow 
her  to  go  out  of  the  Union  peaceably.  I  have  n't 
any  thing  against  the  South." 

"  Well,  I  have,"  answered  Harry,  scarcely  able 
to  control  himself.  "  My  brother  is  now  starving 
in  a  rebel  prison." 

"I  can't  help  it.  I  have  not  the  least  sympa- 
thy for  him.  The  South  said,  at  the  commence- 
ment, that  they  only  wanted  to  be  let  alone ;  and 
if  George  has  n't  any  more  sense  than  to  meddle 
with  them,  I  say,  let  him  take  the  consequences;" 
and,  as  Charles  ceased  speaking,  he  di'opped  tho 


ON   DUTY   AGAIN.  45 

oars  into  the  ■water,  and  was  about  to  row  off, 
when  Frank  seized  the  gunwale  of  his  boat. 

"Avast  heaving,  there,  for  a  moment,"  he  said, 
quietly.  "  Charley,  take  back  what  you  have 
said." 

"  No,  sir ;  I  sha'  n't  do  it.  I  mean  what  I  have 
«aid,  and  I  won't  take  back  any  thing.  Let  go  of 
that  boat,  or  I  '11  hit  you,"  and  he  raised  his  oar 
as  if  about  to  strike  Frank. 

But  Harry  was  too  quick  for  him.  Springing 
lightly  into  Charles's  skiff,  he  easily  wrested  the 
oar  from  him,  and  then,  seizing  him  by  the  collar, 
exclaimed : 

"  Take  back  every  word  you  have  said,  or  I  '11 
wash  some  of  the  vile  rebel  sentiment  out  of  you. 
I  '11  dump  you  overboard.  Come,  take  it  all 
back — quick." 

"  Help  !  help  !  Bill,"  whined  Charles,  writhing 
like  an  eel  in  Harry's  strong  grasp,  "  are  you  go- 
ing to  sit  there  and  see  me  abused  in  this  manner? 
Help,  I  tell  you." 

"William  looked  first  at  Harry,  then  at  Frank, 
who  had  grown  exceedingly  tall  and  muscular 
since  the  last  time  he  had  measured  strength  with 
him  in  friendly  contest,  and  made  no  reply. 


46  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

"  Ccme,  take  it  back,"  urged  Harry. 

"No,  I  won't,"  replied  Charles,  wlio,  finding 
that  he  -was  left  to  fight  his  own  battles  alone, 
now  began  to  struggle  desperately.  ''  I  tell  you  I 
won't  take  back  any  thing." 

"  Then  overboard  you  go,"  said  Harry.  "  I  '11 
see  what  efi'ect  cold  water  will  have  on  you ; " 
and,  easily  lifting  Charles  from  his  feet,  in  spite 
of  his  struggles,  he  threw  him  headlong  into  the 
water. 

"How  is  it  now?"  he  coolly  inquired,  as 
Charles  appeared  at  the  surface,  looking  very 
forlorn,  indeed.  "Any  more  rebel  sentiment  in 
you  that  wants  washing  out  ?  Come  in  here, 
you  young  traitor;"  and,  as  he  spoke,  he  again 
seized  him  by  the  collar,  and  drew  him  into  the 
boat. 

"Unhand  me,"  shouted  Charles,  as  soon  as  he 
could  regain  his  feet;  "I'll  fix  you  for  this." 

"Are  you  ready  to  take  back  what  you  said?" 
demanded  Harry,  tightening  his  grasp. 

"No;  nor  shall  I  ever  be,"  was  the  stubborn 
answer. 

"Well,  then,  down  you  go  again." 

"  No,  no !  do  n't,"  screamed  Charles,  who  now 


ON   DUTY   AGAIX.  47 

began  to  be  really  frightened;  "I  take  it  all 
back." 

"  What  do  you  take  back  ? "  asked  Harry. 

"  I  do  n't  want  to  see  the  Northern  prisoners 
all  starved." 

"Well,  what  else?" 

"  I  do  n't  want  to  see  the  Union  destroyed." 

"  Go  on  ;  what  next  ?  " 

"But  I  do  wish  the  South  could  be  whipped 
to-morrow,  and  be  made  to  stay  in  the  Union." 

"  Well,  now  you  are  talking  sense,"  said  Harry, 
releasing  his  hold  of  Charles's  collar.  "  Of  course, 
I  know  you  do  n't  mean  what  you  say,  but  I  was 
bound  to  make  you  say  a  good  word  for  the 
Union  before  I  let  you  off.  I  have  one  more 
favor  to  ask  of  you,  and  then  I  am  done.  Will 
you  oblige  me  by  giving  three  cheers  for  the  boys 
who  are  fighting  our  battles — every  day  risking 
their  lives  in  defense  of  the  old  flao:  ? " 

Charles  hesitated. 

"I  sha'n't  ask  you  but  once  more,  then,"  and 
here  Harry  pointed  to  the  water,  in  a  very  sig- 
nificant manner. 

Charles,  knowing  that  he  was  in  earnest,  and 
that    there    was    no    escape,    gave    the  required 


48  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

cheers  with  as  good  a  grace  as  he  could  com- 
mand. 

"  That 's  right,"  said  Harry,  approvingly. 
"Now  I  have  done  with  you,  and  you  can 
thank  your  lucky  stars  that  you  have  got  off  so 
easily.  If  you  had  been  in  the  army  when  you 
said  what  you  did  a  few  moments  since,  the  boys 
would  have  hung  you  to  the  very  first  tree  they 
could  have  found.  Now,  take  my  advice,  and 
do  n't  let  me  hear  of  your  uttering  any  more 
such  sentiments  as  long  as  I  remain  in  the  vil- 
lage ;  if  you  do,  I  '11  duck  you  as  often  as  I  can 
get  my  hands  on  you." 

Harry  then  sprang  into  his  own  skiff,  and 
Charles  sullenly  picked  up  his  oars,  and  pulled 
toward  home. 

"  There,"  exclaimed  Harry,  "  I  feel  better 
now.  I  woi-ked  off  a  little  of  my  indignation 
on  that  fellow.  The  rascal !  to  tell  us  that 
George  ought  to  be  starved  for  helping  to  main- 
tain the  government,  and  that  he  did  n't  care 
whether  the  Union  went  to  ruin  or  not.  Now 
that  I  think  of  it,  I  'm  sorry  that  I  let  him  off  so 
easily." 

*^He  was  pretty  well  punished,  after  all,"  said 


ON   DUTY  AGAIN.  49 

Frank.  "  It  will  have  the  effect  of  making  him  a 
little  more  careful." 

At  noon,  the  fish  stopped  biting,  and  the  boys 
started  for  home.  They  parted  at  the  boat-house, 
after  Frank  had  promised  to  call  and  say  "good- 
by"  before  he  left  in  the  morning. 

When  the  latter  reached  home  he  found  his 
trunk  packed,  and  every  thing  in  readiness  for  the 
start,  so  that  he  had  nothing  to  do  but  roam  about 
4he  premises,  and  take  a  last  look  at  every  thing, 
AS  he  had  done  on  a  former  occasion.  Ilis  mother 
and  sister  tried  to  look  cheerful,  but  it  was  a  sorry 
failure,  for  Frank  could  easily  read  what  was 
passing  in  their  minds. 

Morning  came  at  length,  and  at  eight  o'clock, 
lo  Frank's  great  relief — for  he  wished  the  parting 
over  as  soon  as  possible — he  saw  the  carriage  ap- 
proaching which  was  to  take  him  to  the  steamer. 
A  few  embraces  and  hastily-spoken  farewells,  and 
Frank  was  whirhng  away  from  his  home.  At 
Captain  Butler's  he  stopped  for  Harry,  who  met 
him  at  the  gate  with  an  open  letter  in  his  hand ; 
and,  as  he  sprang  into  the  carriage,  he  exclaimed, 
joyfully : 

"  It 's  all  right,  Frank.     Here  's  a  letter  from 
4 


50  FRANK   BEFORE   YICKSBURG. 

George.  He  has  been  exchanged,  and  is  now  in 
the  hospital  at  Washington.  The  rebels,  he  says, 
tried  to  starve  him  to  death,  but  couldn't  make 
it.  He  is  only  waiting  until  he  gets  strong 
enouo-h  to  travel,  and  then  he 's  cominor  home. 
He  's  pretty  well  used  up.  When  I  get  back  to 
the  army,  with  Company  ^  M '  to  back  me  up, 
I  '11  make  somebody  smart  for  it." 

By  the  time  Harry  had  finished  venting  his 
anger  against  the  enemies  of  the  government, 
the  carriage  reached  the  wharf,  as  the  steamer 
was  moving  out  into  the  river.  Frank  had  just 
time  to  get  on  board,  and  a  few  moments  after- 
ward the  Julia  Burton  carried  him  out  of  sight 
of  the  village.  He  stopped  only  a  short  time  at 
Portland ;  and,  four  days  after  leaving  that  place, 
found  Archie  waiting  for  him  as  he  sprang  off 
the  train  at  Cairo.  He  reported  to  the  fleet 
captain,  who  ordered  him  to  "  take  passage  down 
the  river  on  the  United  States  dispatch  steamer 
General  Lyon,"  which  was  to  sail  at  four  o'clock 
that  afternoon.  The  cousins  passed  the  day 
together.  When  four  o'clock  came,  Archie  re- 
turned to  his  high  stool  with  a  sorrowful  coun- 
tenance,  and  Frank   waived  his  adieu  from  the 


ON   DUTY   AGAIN.  51 

Bteamer  that  was  to  carry  liim  back — to  what? 
It  is  well  that  the  future  is  hidden  from  us,  for 
Frank  would  not  have  trod  that  deck  with  so 
light  a  heart  had  he  known  what  was  in  store  for 
him. 

In  a  few  days  he  arrived  at  his  vessel,  which 
he  found  anchored  at  "White  River.  Time  makes 
changes  in  every  thing,  and  Frank  saw  many  new 
faces  among  the  ship's  company.  The  old  mate 
was  still  on  board,  and  greeted  him  in  his  hearty 
sailor  style  as  he  came  over  the  side.  After  he 
had  reported  to  the  captain,  and  had  seen  his 
luggage  taken  to  his  room,  he  was  joined  by  one 
of  his  old  messmates,  whose  name  was  Keys ; 
and  who,  in  answer  to  Frank's  inquiry,  "  How  is 
every  thing?"  proceeded  to  give  him  a  statement 
of  the  condition  of  affairs. 

"The  ship  still  floats  on  an  even  keel,"  said 
he,  pulling  off  his  boots,  and  taking  possession  of 
Frank's  bed.  "  The  old  man  is  as  eccentric  and 
good-natured  as  ever,  sometimes  flying  off  into 
one  of  his  double-reefed  topsail  hurricanes,  which 
don't  mean  any  thing.  All  goes  right  about 
decks,  but  you  will  find  some  things  changed  in 
the  steerage.     There  are  only  five  officers  left  in 


62  FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURQ. 

our  mess  that  were  here  when  you  went  away, 
and  we  have  three  new  Johnny  master's  mates. 
They  all  came  down  in  the  same  box;  and  the 
express  man  must  have  left  them  out  in  the  damp 
over  night,  for  they  are  the  softest  fellows  I  ever 
saw.  They  must  have  been  brought  up  in  some 
country  where  such  a  thing  as  a  steamboat  is  un- 
known, for  they  don't  know  the  starboard  from 
the  port  side  of  the  ship,  call  on  deck  ^up  stairs, 
and  the  captain's  cabin  goes  by  the  name  of  the 
'parlor.*  It  wouldn't  be  so  bad  if  they  would 
only  try  to  learn  something,  but  they  are  very 
indignant  if  any  one  undertakes  to  volunteer  ad- 
vice ;  and,  besides,  they  stand  on  their  rank." 

At  this  moment  supper  was  announced,  and 
Frank  and  his  friend  repaired  to  the  steerage, 
where  they  found  the  mates  of  whom  the  latter 
had  spoken.  While  they  were  eating,  the  whistle 
of  a  steamer  was  heard,  and  one  of  the  new 
mates  (whose  name  was  French,  but  who  was 
known  as  "Extra,"  from  the  fact  that  he  was 
perfectly  useless  as  an  officer,)  ordered  the  waiter 
to  "  go  up  stairs  and  see  what  boat  it  was."  The 
boy  did  not  move,  for  it  was  a  regulation  of  the 
mess  that  when  there  was  only  one  waiter  in  the 


ON   DUTY  AGAIN.  53 

room  to  attend  to  the  table,  he  was  not  to  be  sent 
away.  Besides,  the  mate  had  no  right  to  give 
such  an  order  without  first  obtaining  the  permis- 
sion of  the  caterer. 

"Do  you  hear  what  I  tell  you?"  he  inquired, 
in  a  rage. 

"  Mr.  French,"  said  the  caterer,  quietly,  "  you 
can  find  out  the  name  of  that  boat  after  supper, 
by  asking  the  officer  of  the  deck,  or  the  quarter- 
master on  watch." 

"  But  I  choose  to  send  this  boy  to  find  out  for 
me,"  repHed  Mr.  French.  "  Come,  go  on,  there, 
and  do  as  I  tell  you,  or  I  will  see  if  you  can 
not  be  made  to  obey  the  orders  of  your  supe- 
riors." 

"Stay  where  you  are,"  said  the  caterer,  ad- 
dressing the  waiter,  "  and  do  n't  start  until  I  tell 
you  to."  Then,  turning  to  the  mate,  he  con- 
tinued, "You  have  no  right  to  order  him  to  do 
any  thing  in  this  mess-room  without  first  consult- 


ing: me." 


"I  haven't,  eh?  I  wonder  if  this  darkey 
ranks  me  ?  My  appointment  reads  that  I  *  am 
to  be  obeyed  by  all  persons  under  me  in  this 
squadron.' " 


54  FRAXK   BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

"  That  boy  is  not  subject  to  your  orders,  as 
long  as  I  am  in  the  mess-room." 

*'Well,  I  shall  take  pains  to  inform  myself  on 
that  point.     I'll  ask  the  captain." 

"  Do  so,"  said  the  caterer,  quietly ;  "  and  if 
you  don't  get  the  worst  raking-down  that  you 
have  had  since  you  have  been  on  board  this  ves- 
sel, then  I  am  greatly  mistaken." 

The  mate  made  no  reply,  but,  after  he  had  fin- 
ished his  supper,  went  on  deck. 

"Now,  Frank,"  whispered  Keys,  "just  come 
with  me,  and  I  will  show  you  some  fun." 

Frank,  always  ready  for  any  mischief,  followed 
his  companion  on  deck,  where  they  found  Mr. 
French  in  animated  conversation  with  his  two 
friends. 

"  See  here,  French,"  said  Keys,  approaching 
the  latter  in  a  confidential  manner,  "  are  you 
going  to  put  up  with  such  abuse  as  you  received 
from  that  caterer  ?  " 

"I'd  see,  if  I  were  in  your  place,  whether  or 
not  I  had  authority  to  command  my  inferiors," 
chimed  in  Frank. 

"  Certainly,  so  would  I,"  said  Keys.  "  Go  and 
report  the  matter  to  the  old  man." 


ON    DUTY   AGAIN.  55 

"That  caterer  ought  to  be  brought  do^N'n  a  peg 
or  two,"  said  Frank. 

"Well,"  said  the  mite,  "I  know  that  I  have  got 
the  right  on  my  side ;  but  I  'm  afraid,  if  I  report 
the  matter,  the  captain  will  give  me  a  blowing 
,:p." 

"0,  that's  only  one  of  that  caterer's  stories,'' 
said  Keys,  contemptuously.  "  You  see  he 's  afraid 
you  will  report  him,  and  he  told  you  what  he  did 
to  frighten  you.  Every  body  on  board  the  ship  is 
trying  to  run  down  us  mates ;  they  don't  seem  to 
care  a  fig  for  our  orders ;  even  the  men  laugh  at 
us,  and  the  sooner  they  find  out  that  we  have 
some  authority  here,  the  better  it  will  be  for  us. 
I  wish  I  had  as  good  a  chance  as  you  have ;  I  'd 
report  the  whole  matter." 

"  I  believe  I  will  report  it,"  said  the  mate,  en- 
couraged by  the  sincere  manner  in  which  Mr. 
Keys  and  Frank  spoke.  "I  can't  have  a  man 
trample  on  my  authority,  when  it  comes  from  the 
admiral.     Is  the  captain  in  the  parlor?" 

"Yes,"  answered  Frank,  making  use  of  his 
handkerchief  to  conceal  his  laughter;  "I  saw  him 
go  in  there  just  a  moment  since." 

The  mate  accordingly  walked  aft,  and  without 


56  FRANK   BEFORE  VICKSBURQ. 

"v^aiting  to  speak  to  the  orderly,  who  stood  at  the 
gangway,  he  opened  the  door  without  knocking, 
and  entered  the  cabin. 

As  soon  as  he  had  disappeared,  Frank  and  hia 
companion  ran  on  to  the  quarter-deck,  and  took 
a  position  at  a  grating  directly  over  the  captain's 
cabin,  where  they  could  hear  all  that  went  on 
below. 

"  My  eyes ! "  whispered  Keys ;  "  I  would  n't  be 
in  Extra's  boots  for  the  whole  squadron.  Won't 
he  get  his  rations  stuffed  into  him?" 

The  captain,  who  was  at  supper,  looked  up  in 
surprise,  as  Mr.  French  entered  unannounced; 
and,  after  regarding  him  sharply  for  a  moment, 
said: 

"Well,  sir!" 

"I  came  here,  sii',"  began  the  mate,  "to  tell 

you" 

"  Take  off  your  cap,  sir  ! "  vociferated  the  cap- 
tain. 

The  mate,  not  in  the  least  embarrassed,  did  as 
he  was  ordered,  and  again  commenced : 

"I  came  here,  sir" 

"  Do  you  know  what  that  marine  is  standing  out 
there  for  ? "  again  interrupted  the  captain.     "  If 


ON  DUTY  AGAIN.  57 

you  don't,  your  first  hard  work  will  be  to  go  to 
the  executive  officer  and  find  out.  Now,  don't  you 
again  ever  come  into  my  cabin  in  this  abrupt  man- 
ner. Always  send  in  your  name  by  the  orderly. 
It  seems  impossible  to  teach  you  any  thing.  But 
what  were  you  going  to  say  ?  " 

"I  came  here,  sir,"  began  the  mate  again,  "to 
see  if  I  have  any  authority  to  command  my  infe- 
riors in  rank.     My  appointment  says" 

"0,  hang  your  appointment!"  shouted  the  cap- 
tain.    "Come  to  the  point  at  once." 

"Well,  sir,  while  at  supper,  I  ordered  our  stew- 
ard to  go  up  stairs  and  execute  a  commission  for 
me,  and  he  would  n't  go." 

"Are  you  caterer  of  your  mess  ?" 

"No,  sir." 

"Then  sir,  allow  me  to  inform  you  that  you 
have  no  more  authority  over  those  waiters  in  that 
mess-room  than  you  have  to  break  open  my 
trunk  and  take  out  my  money.  If  you  should 
need  the  services  of  one  of  the  boys,  go  to  the 
caterer  and  get  his  consent.  But  I  wish  you 
would  try  and  learn  something.  You  have  been 
on  board  this  ship  now  three  weeks,  and  are  of  no 
more  use  than  an  extra  boiler.     Go  to  somebody 


68  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

else  m  future  "with  your  foolish  complaints.  You 
may  go,  sir." 

The  mate  left  the  cabin,  feeling  very  cheap,  and 
"wondering  what  was  the  use  of  having  any  rank, 
if  he  could  n't  use  it,  and  more  than  half  inclined 
to  believe  that  the  captain  had  no  right  to  address 
him  in  so  rude  a  manner. 

"Well,  what  did  the  old  man  say?"  inquired 
Keys,  who,  with  Frank,  had  hurried  forward  to 
meet  him  at  the  gangway. 

"He  says  he  will  fix  it  all  right,"  replied  Mr. 
French,  averting  his  face,  for  he  knew  that  he  was 
uttering  a  falsehood.  "  I  knew  I  would  get  satis- 
faction." 

So  saying,  he  walked  off,  shaking  his  head  in 
a  very  knowing  manner,  while  the  two  friends  re- 
treated to  the  steerage,  where  they  gave  full  vent 
to  their  feelings.  The  circumstance  was  related 
to  the  caterer,  who  came  in  a  few  moments  after- 
ward, and  after  enjoying  a  hearty  laugh  at  the 
mate's  expense,  Frank  retired  to  his  room  and 
turned  in. 

About  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  a  steamer 
came  down  and  reported  that  a  regiment  of  rebels 
bad  posted  themselves  behind  the   levee  at  Cy- 


ON   DUTY  AGAIN. 


59 


press  Bend,  and  were  liolding  the  position  in  spito 
of  the  efforts  of  three  gun-boats  to  dislodge  them, 
rendering  navigation  impossible.  The  matter  was 
reported  to  the  captain,  who,  after  making  him- 
self acquainted  with  the  facts,  ordered  the  Ticon- 
deroga  to  be  got  under  way  and  headed  up  the 
river. 


60  FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURO. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

jN  the  next  day  they  arrived  at  Cy- 
press Bend,  where  they  found  three 
"tin-clads"  anchored,  paying  no  at- 
tention to  the  perfect  storm  of  bullets 
■which  the  concealed  rebels  rained  upon 
their  decks  from  behind  the  levee.  As 
soon  as  the  Ticonderoga  came  vrithin 
range,  the  guerrillas  directed  a  volley  against  her; 
but,  although  her  decks  were  crowded  with  men, 
the  fire  was  without  effect.  The  boatswain's 
whistle,  and  the  order,  "  All  hands  under  cover," 
rang  sharply  through  the  ship,  and  the  decks  were 
instantly  deserted.  The  second  division — the  one 
which  Frank  commanded — was  at  once  called  to 
quarters,  and  as  soon  as  the  gun  could  be  cast 
loose  and  pointed,  an  eleven-inch  shell  went 
shrieking  into  the  woods.     It  burst  fur   beyond 


THE   FIGHT   IN   THE   WOODS.  61 

the  levee.  The  rebels  sent  back  a  taunting  laugh, 
and  their  bullets  fell  faster  than  ever. 

The  levee  which  lines  both  banks  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi forms  a  most  excellent  breastwork  ;  and 
behind  this,  a  party  of  determined  men  can  easily 
bold  twice  their  number  at  bay,  unless  a  position 
can  be  obtained  where  they  can  be  brought  under 
a  cross-fire.  The  formation  of  the  river  rendered 
it  impossible  for  such  a  position  to  be  taken,  and 
it  was  evident  that  to  anchor  before  the  levee  and 
attempt  to  dislodge  them  with  big  guns,  was  worse 
than  useless ;  neither  could  they  be  beaten  back 
with  their  ovra  weapons,  for  the  rebels  were  very  ex- 
pert in  "bushwhacking,"  exposing  but  a  very  small 
portion  of  their  persons,  and  the  best  marksman 
would  stand  but  a  poor  chance  of  hitting  one  of 
them.     Some  more  decisive  steps  must  be  taken. 

So  thought  the  captain  of  the  Ticonderoga,  as 
he  paced  up  and  down  the  turret,  while  Frank, 
divested  of  his  coat,  was  issuing  his  commands 
with  his  usual  coolness,  now  and  then  catching 
bold  of  a  rope  and  giving  a  pull  at  the  gun,  all 
the  while  sending  the  shells  into  the  levee,  making 
the  dii't  fly  in  every  direction. 

"  Cease  firing,  Mr.  Nelson,"  said  the  captain,  at 


62  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

length.  "It  is  useless  to  think  of  driving  them 
off  in  this  manner." 

"  Cease  firing,  sir,"  repeated  Frank,  showing 
that  he  understood  the  order.  "Run  the  gun  in, 
lads,  and  close  those  ports." 

The  captain  then  ordered  his  vessel  to  be  run 
alongside  of  the  Rover,  (one  of  the  tin-clads,)  and, 
after  a  few  moments'  consultation  with  her  com- 
mander, some  plan  seemed  to  have  been  determ- 
ined upon,  for  Frank  was  again  ordered  to  open 
a  hot  fire  on  the  levee.  Under  cover  of  this, 
signal  was  made  for  the  other  two  vessels  to  get 
under  way,  and  proceed  down  the  river. 

"Mr.  Nelson,"  said  the  captain,  as  soon  as  he 
had  seen  the  signal  obeyed,  "give  the  command 
of  your  division  to  the  executive  officer,  and  come 
down  into  the  cabin  for  orders." 

As  soon  as  the  executive  could  be  found,  Frank 
gave  up  the  command  to  him,  and  as  he  entered 
the  cabin,  the  captain  said  to  him : 

"I  have  ordered  the  tin-clads  to  go  down  the 
river  and  land  as  many  men  as  they  can  spare,  to 
get  around  in  the  rear  of  those  rebels,  and  get 
them  out  from  behind  that  levee.  They  must  be 
got  out  of  that,  if  possible,  for  navigation  is  yir- 


THE  FIGHT   IN   THE   WOODS.  63 

tually  closed  as  long  as  they  remain  there.  I 
shall  also  send  our  two  howitzers  and  forty  men, 
of  which  you  will  take  command.  I  need  not  tell 
you  to  do  your  best." 

The  captain  then  went  on  deck,  selected  the 
men,  and  Frank  succeeded  in  getting  them  and 
the  howitzers  safely  on  board  the  Rover,  which 
still  lay  alongside.  The  smoke  from  the  gun  of 
the  Ticonderoga  completely  concealed  their  move- 
ments, and  the  rebels  were  entirely  ignorant  of 
what  was  going  on.  As  soon  as  the  men  were  all 
on  board,  the  Rover  steamed  down  the  river  and 
joined  the  other  vessels,  which  were  waiting  for 
her  to  come  up. 

About  five  miles  below  was  a  point  which  com- 
pletely concealed  them  from  the  view  of  the  rebels, 
and  behind  this  point  the  vessels  landed;  the  crews 
disembarked,  and  commenced  marching  through 
the  woods  toward  the  place  where  the  rebels  were 
posted.  They  numbered  two  hundred  and  fifty 
men,  and  were  commanded  by  the  captain  of  the 
Rover,  who,  although  a  very  brave  man  aud  an 
excellent  sailor,  knew  nothing  of  infantry  tactics. 
The  second  in  command  was  Mr.  Howe,  an  ensign 
belonging  to  the  same  vessel.     He  had  never  been 


64  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

in  a  fight ;  and  vrhen  he  first  entered  the  navy  he 
knew  no  more  about  a  vessel  than  he  did  about 
the  moon.  His  appointment  had  been  obtained 
through  some  influential  friends  at  home.  He  had 
Berved  in  a  company  of  state  militia,  however,  be- 
fore the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  and  considered 
himself  quite  a  military  genius. 

The  sailors  marched  in  line  of  battle — with 
skirmishers  in  front  and  on  each  flank,  and  Frank, 
with  his  battery,  was  in  the  center.  In  this  man- 
ner they  marched  for  about  an  hour,  and  then  a 
halt  was  ordered,  and  the  captain,  with  several  of 
his  officers,  went  forward  to  reconnoiter,  while 
Mr.  Howe,  who  was  left  in  command,  ordered 
the  men  to  "stack  arms."  Frank  was  astounded 
when  he  heard  this  command,  and,  approaching 
the  officer,  saluted  him,  and  said: 

"I  object  to  this,  Mr.  Howe.  I  think  it  would 
be  much  better,  sir,  to  keep  the  men  under 
arms;  for  it  is  by  no  means  certain  that  all  the 
rebels  we  shall  be  obliged  to  fight,  are  in  front 
of  us." 

"I  believe  you  were  put  in  command  of  that 
battery,  sir,"  rephed  Mr.  Howe,  haughtily,  "while 
I  was  left  in  charore  of  these  men.     I  would  thank 


THE   FIGHT   IN   TUE    WOODS.  65 

you,  then,  to  attend  to  your  own  business,  and  to 
let  me  alone." 

^*  Very  good,  sir,"  answered  Frank.  "  I  did 
not  intend  to  give  any  offense,  sir,  but  merely  to 
offer  a  sujcorestion.  But  if  I  command  that  bat- 
tery,  I  intend  to  have  it  in  readiness  for  any 
emergency.  Cut  loose  those  guns,  lads,  and  stand 
to  your  quarters  ! " 

The  reports  of  muskets  in  their  front  proved 
that  the  rebels  were  yet  keeping  a  hot  fire  di- 
rected against  the  Ticonderoga.  But  still  Frank 
was  not  deceived ;  he  knew  that  all  the  fi<Thtino: 
would  not  be  done  at  the  front.  Scarcely  had 
these  thoughts  passed  through  his  mind,  whea 
there  was  a  rapid  discharge  of  fire-arms  in  their 
rear,  and  two  of  the  men  fell.  As  Frank  had  ex- 
pected, the  rebels  had  been  informed  of  what  was 
going  on,  and  had  sent  part  of  their  force  to  cut 
the  sailors  off  from  the  river.  For  a  moment  the 
greatest  confusion  prevailed.  The  men,  who  had 
been  lying  about  in  the  shade  of  the  trees,  made 
a  general  rush  for  their  weapons,  and  after  deliv- 
ering a  straggling  and  ineffectual  fire,  hastily  re- 
treated, with  the  exception  of  Frank's  men,  and 
a  few  of  the  more  courageous  of  the  infantry 
5 


66  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURO. 

The  latter  concealed  themselves  behind  trees  and 
logs,  and  deliberately  returned  the  fire  of  the  reb- 
els, while  the  former,  "who  were  old  seamen,  and 
had  long  been  accustomed  to  the  disciphne  of  the 
service,  stood  at  their  guns  awaiting  orders.  Mr. 
Howe,  for  a  moment,  stood  pale  and  trembhng, 
and  then,  without  waiting  to  give  any  orders,  dis- 
appeared in  the  bushes.  Frank,  who  was  left 
alone  with  but  sixty  men,  was  astounded  when  he 
witnessed  this  cowardly  conduct  of  his  superior, 
and  he  had  hardly  time  to  recover  from  his  sur- 
prise, when  the  rebels,  after  firing  another  volley, 
broke  from  their  concealments,  with  loud  yells,  and 
charged  toward  the  guns.  This  brought  Frank  to 
his  senses.  With  the  handful  of  men  he  had  left, 
he  could  at  least  cover  the  retreat  of  his  timid 
Bupport. 

"Steady  there,  lads!"  he  shouted.  "Aim 
low— fire ! " 

The  howitzers  belched  forth  their  contents,  and, 
as  Frank  had  taken  the  precaution  to  have  them 
loaded  with  canister,  the  slaughter  was  awful. 
The  muskets  had  also  done  considerable  execution, 
and  the  rebels  recoiled  when  they  witnessed  the 
havoc  made  in  their  ranks.     Frank,  who  was  al 


THE   FIGUT   IN   THE    WOODS.  67 

ways  ready  to  take  advantage  of  such  an  op- 
portunity, immediately  ordered  a  counter-charge. 
The  sailors  sprang  at  the  word,  with  a  yell,  and, 
led  by  Frank,  who  fixed  his  bayonet  as  he  ran, 
threw  themselves  upon  the  rebels,  who  at  once 
fled  precipitately,  leavmg  their  dead  and  wounded 
on  the  field. 

"Back  to  your  guns,  lads,"  shouted  Frank, 
"and  give  'em  a  shot  before  they  get  out  of 
range." 

The  men  worked  with  a  yell,  sending  the  sheila 
rapidly  in  the  direction  in  which  the  rebels  had 
retreated,  until  a  loud  roar  of  musketry  at  the 
front  told  them  that  they  had  other  enemies  with 
which  to  deal. 

While  this  fight  at  the  rear  had  been  going  on, 
the  sailors  who  had  retreated  had  been  met  by 
the  captain  and  his  officers,  who  were  returning 
from  their  reconnoissance,  and,  as  soon  as  order 
could  be  restored,  an  attack  had  been  made  on 
the  rebels  who  were  still  posted  behind  the  levee. 
In  a  few  moments  Mr.  Howe  came  running  up, 
and  addressing  himself  to  Frank,  exclaimed : 

"What  are  you  doing  here,  sir — shooting  into 
the  woods  where  there  are  no  rebels  ?     Why  are 


6S  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

you  not  at  the  front,  where  you  belong?  If  yoD 
are  afraid  to  go  there,  you  had  better  giro  up  the 
command  of  that  battery." 

Frank  thought  this  was  a  nice  way  for  Mr. 
Howe  to  talk,  after  the  manner  in  which  he  had 
behaved  a  few  moments  before,  but,  without  stop- 
ping to  reply,  he  ordered  the  guns  to  be  secured, 
and  the  men,  catching  up  the  trail-ropes,  com- 
menced dragging  the  battery  toward  the  place 
where  the  fight  was  raging,  while  Mr.  Howe 
again  suddenly  disappeared. 

When  Frank  arrived  at  the  front,  he  found  the 
rebels  were  still  behind  the  levee,  where  they 
were  exposed  to  a  galling  fire  from  the  sailors 
who  were  concealed  among  the  trees,  evidently 
preferring  to  run  the  risk  of  being  driven  out  by 
the  musketry  than  to  brave  the  shells  from  the 
Ticonderoga,  which  now  began  to  fall  into  the 
woods  just  behind  them,  and  bursting,  threw  dirt 
and  branches  in  every  direction.  Without  wait- 
ing for  orders,  Frank  immediately  took  up  a 
sheltered  position,  and  straightway  opened  upon 
the  rebels  a  hot  fire  of  canister.  By  the  exer- 
tions of  the  ofiicers,  the  stragglers  were  all  col- 
lected, and,  while  the  line  was  being  formed  for  a 


THE    FIGHT   IN   THE   AVOODS.  69 

charge,  Frank  was  ordered  to  move  his  battery  out 
of  the  woods,  into  the  open  field.  The  young  of- 
ficer's blood  ran  cold  when  he  heard  this  command, 
for  the  rebels,  who  greatly  outnumbered  the  sail- 
ors, and  who  were  deterred  from  making  a  charge 
and  overpowering  them  only  through  fear  of  the 
shells  from  the  Ticonderoga,  were  sending  a  per- 
fect shower  of  bullets  into  the  bushes  where  the 
howitzers  were  stationed.  Even  in  his  present 
protected  position,  Frank  had  lost  five  of  his 
men,  and  when  he  thought  what  a  slaughter  there 
would  be  when  he  should  move  out  of  his  conceal- 
ment, it  made  him  shudder.  But  he  had  always 
been  taught  that  the  success  of  the  navy  was 
owing  to  "strict  discipline;"  and  once,  when  he 
had  been  reported  to  the  captain  for  disobeying 
an  order  which  he  had  considered  as  unjust,  that 
gentleman  had  told  him — "Always  obey  whatever 
orders  you  may  receive  from  your  superiors,  and, 
if  you  are  aggrieved,  you  can  seek  redress  after- 
ward." In  the  present  instance,  this  seemed 
very  poor  policy;  for  what  good  would  it  do  to 
make  objections  to  the  order  after  his  men  had 
been  sacrificed?  He  had  no  alternative,  however, 
but  ij  obey.     The  men,  too,  were  well  aware  of 


70  FRANK  BEFORE   YICKSBURG. 

the  danger  they  were  about  to  incur,  but  hesi- 
tated not  a  moment  "when  Frank  repeated  the 
order  to  advance.  They  at  once  pushed  the  guns 
out  into  the  open  ground,  and  the  effect  was  as 
they  had  expected.  The  ^Yhole  fire  of  the  rebels 
was  directed  against  them,  and  every  volley  left 
Frank  with  less  men  to  handle  his  battery.  In 
fact,  it  soon  became  impossible  to  load  the  guns ; 
for,  as  fast  as  the  men  picked  up  a  rammer  or 
sponge,  they  were  shot  down.  It  was  evident 
that  they  could  not  remain  there. 

"Jack,"  said  Frank  at  length,  turning  to  the 
old  boatswain's  mate,  "go  and  ask  the  captain  if 
I  can't  be  allowed  to  move  back  to  my  old  posi- 
tion. I  can  do  more  execution  there.  Besides, 
we  '11  all  be  dead  men  in  less  than  five  minutes, 
if  we  remain  here." 

The  man  bounded  off  to  execute  the  order,  and 
just  then  the  captain  of  one  of  the  guns  was 
killed.  Frank  immediately  seized  the  priming- 
wire  which  had  fallen  from  his  hand,  and  worked 
with  the  rest.  His  fear  had  given  place  to  a 
reckless  determination  to  do  his  duty,  for,  let  the 
consequences  be  what  they  might,  no  blame  could 
be   attached  to  him.      Impatiently,  however,  ho 


THE   FIGHT   IN   THE    WOODS.  71 

waited  for  the  return  of  the  mate,  and  his  impa- 
tience increased  when  word  was  brought  him  that 
the  ammunition  was  failing.  At  length,  after  a 
delay  which  seemed  extraordinary,  a  charge  was 
ordered. 

The  rebels  seemed  to  have  an  idea  of  what  was 
going  on,  for,  a  few  moments  before  the  order  was 
given,  their  fire  slackened  considerably;  but,  as 
soon  as  the  sailors,  in  obedience  to  the  command, 
issued  from  the  woods,  they  were  met  with  a  ter- 
rific fire,  which  threw  them  into  confusion.  In 
vain  their  officers  urged  and  commanded ;  the 
men  refused  to  advance,  but  remained  standing 
in  full  view  of  the  rebels,  while  every  moment 
their  comrades  were  falling  around  them.  At 
length  the  enemy  made  a  counter-charge,  and  the 
sailors,  without  waiting  to  resist,  broke  and  fled  in 
every  direction.  Frank  and  his  men  remained  at 
their  posts  until  the  last  moment ;  but  they  soon 
found  themselves  completely  deserted,  and  were 
obliged  to  fall  back  into  the  woods. 

By  the  exertions  of  the  officers,  a  few  of  the 
men  were  rallied  in  the  edge  of  the  timber,  and, 
bravely  standing  their  ground,  the  rebels  were  met 
with  a   murderous   fire,  and  the  shells  from  the 


72  FRANK   BEFORE    YICKSBURa. 

Ticonderoga,  wliich  now  began  to  burst  in  tbeii 
very  midst,  completed  their  confusion,  and  they,  in 
turn,  •were  compelled  to  retreat. 

In  an  instant,  Frank  and  several  of  his  men 
sprang  out  and  attempted  to  recover  the  howitz- 
ers, which  had  been  left  between  the  lines,  but 
the  rebels  were  on  the  watch,  and,  after  the  loss 
of  three  of  his  men,  he  was  obliged  to  order  a 
retreat.  For  two  hours  a  severe  a  fight  was 
maintained,  the  rebels  making  several  charges, 
which  were  easily  repulsed  by  the  sailors;  and 
each  time  Frank  made  unsuccessful  attempts  to 
recover  his  battery,  but  was  as  often  compelled 
to  retreat,  leaving  some  of  his  men  dead  on  the 
field,  or  prisoners  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

The  left  of  the  hne  rested  on  the  bank  of  the 
river,  where  a  full  view  of  the  Ticonderoga  could 
be  obtained.  After  the  fight  had  raged  nearly 
three  hours,  without  any  advantage  being  gained 
on  either  side,  one  of  the  men  reported  that 
the  ship  was  making  signals.  The  commander 
of  the  expedition  hurried  along  the  line,  call- 
ing out — 

"  Mr.  Howe  !  "Where  's  the  signal  officer,  Mr, 
Howe?"     But  he  received  no  answer.     No  one 


THE   FIGHT    IX    TIIE    WOODS.  73 

had  seen  Mr.  Howe  since  he  had  so  ingloriously 
retreated  at  the  commencement  of  the  fidit. 

o 

*'  Pass  the  "svord  along  the  line  for  Mr.  Howe ! " 
shouted  the  captain. 

The  order  was  obeyed,  and  finally  a  faint  voice, 
some  distance  in  the  rear,  replied,  "  Here,  sir." 

"What  are  you  doing  there,  sir?"  demanded 
the  captain,  in  a  voice  of  thunder.  "  Why  are 
you  not  at  your  post  ?  Get  out  there  with  your 
flag,  and  answer  the  Ticonderoga's  signals."  And 
the  captain  began  to  consult  his  signal-book. 

Mr.  Howe  looked  first  at  the  rebels,  then  at  the 
captain,  then  down  at  the  flag  which  he  held  in 
his  hand,  but  he  did  not  move.  It  was  a  dano-er- 
ous  undertaking ;  for,  in  answering  the  signals, 
he  would  be  obliged  to  stand  on  the  bank  of 
the  river,  where  there  was  nothing  but  bushes  to 
protect  him,  and  where  the  rebels  would  be  cer- 
tain to  see  him ;  but  the  rattling  of  the  mus- 
ketry, the  sharp  whistle  of  the  bullets  as  they 
flew  thickly  about  among  the  trees,  and  the  roar 
of  the  Ticonderoga's  guns — sounds  which  he  had 
never  before  heard — so  worked  upon  the  imagina- 
tion of  the  terrified  man,  that  the  danger  seemed 
tenfold  worse  than  it  really  was. 


74  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

In  a  few  moments  the  captain  had  made  out 
the  signal,  which  was,  "How  do  you  succeed?" 
and  exclaimed : 

"  Mr.  Howe,  make  the  answer  that  we  do  n't 
succeed  at  all — no  advantage  on  either  side  ;  that 

our  ammunition  is  getting  scarce ;  and  that . 

Why  do  n't  you  start,  sir  ? "  he  shouted,  seeing 
that  Mr.  Howe  did  not  move. 

"  Captain,"  faltered  the  man,  in  a  scarcely 
audible  voice,  "  I  should  be  very  happy,  sir ; 
very  glad,  indeed,  sir;  but — ,  but — " 

"No  remarks,  sir,  but  do  as  you  are  ordered, 
instantly." 

"  Really,  captain,  I—,  I—" 

The  man  could  go  no  further,  but  stood  trem- 
bling like  a  leaf,  with  the  utmost  terror  depicted 
in  every  feature. 

"  You  're  a  coward,  sir ! "  shouted  the  captain, 
in  a  terrible  rage — "  a  mean,  contemptible  cow- 
ard." 

"  I  know  it,  sir,"  replied  the  man,  so  terrified 
that  he  scarcely  knew  what  he  was  saying ;  but 
the  fact  is" 

*'  Go  to  rear  ! "  shouted  the  captain,  "  and  stay 
there.    Here,  sir,"  he  continued,  turning  to  Frank, 


THE   FIGHT   IN   THE    WOODS.  75 

who  happened  to  be  the  nearest  officer,  *'  can  you 
make  those  signals?" 

"  Yes,  sir,"  answered  Frank,  promptly.  His 
fiice  was  very  pale,  for,  accustomed  as  he  was  to 
the  noise  and  confusion  of  tattle,  he  well  knew 
there  was  danger  in  the  step  he  was  about  to  take. 
But  his  features  expressed  determination  instead 
of  betraying  terror.  His  duty  must  be  done,  what- 
ever the  consequences  might  be  ;  and  hastily  pick- 
ing up  the  flag  which  Mr.  Howe,  in  his  fright,  had 
dropped,  he  sprang  out  in  view  of  the  Ticonder- 
oga,  made  the  required  signals,  and  retreated  in 
safety.  The  rebels  had  seen  the  flag  waving  above 
the  bushes,  and  had  directed  a  hot  fire  against  it, 
but,  although  his  frail  protection  was  riddled  with 
bullets,  Frank  escaped  unhurt. 

In  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  during  which  time  the 
fire  was  warmly  sustained  by  both  parties,  the 
Ticonderoga  again  made  signals,  ordering  the  cap- 
tain of  the  expedition  to  make  the  best  of  his  way 
back  to  his  vessels.  Frank  answered  the  signal, 
and  again  retreated  in  safety. 

The  word  had  already  been  passed  along  the 
line  to  fall  back  slowly,  when  Frank,  approaching 
the  captain,  said : 


76  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

"I  do  not  wish  to  go  back  to  the  ship  without 
my  battery,  sir.  Will  you  give  me  men  enough 
to  recover  it?" 

"No,  sir;  I  can't  send  any  one  out  there  to  be 
shot  at.     It  is  certain  death,  sir." 

Frank,  who  thought  that  the  captain  had  sud- 
denly grown  very  careful  of  his  men,  made  no 
reply,  but  hastened  back  to  the  spot  where  he  had 
left  his  battery.  To  his  joy  and  surprise  he  found 
one  of  the  howitzers  safe  in  the  hands  of  his  men; 
and,  as  he  came  up,  a  shell  went  crashing  toward 
the  rebel  line,  followed  by  a  triumphant  shout 
from  the  sailors.  The  boatswain's  mate,  who  had 
managed  to  secure  the  gun,  by  throwing  a  rope 
around  the  trail-wheel,  was  endeavoring,  in  the 
same  manner,  to  obtain  possession  of  the  other. 
After  a  few  ineffectual  attempts,  he  succeeded,  and 
the  gun  was  pulled  back  safely  into  the  bushes. 
When  they  had  secured  the  remainder  of  the 
ammunition,  the  men  caught  up  the  trail-ropes, 
and,  without  delay,  Prank  took  his  old  position 
in  the  center  of  the  retreating  line.  The  rebels 
followed  them  so  closely  that  the  sailors  were 
frequently  compelled  to  halt  and  drive  them  back. 
During  one  of  these  halts,  the  captain  of  the  ex 


THE   FIGHT    IN    THE   WOODS.  77 

pedition  was  killed.  As  if  by  magic,  Mr.  Howe 
appeared  on  the  scene,  and,  without  waiting  to 
recover  the  body  of  his  officer,  gave  the  command 
to  fall  back  more  rapidly.  At  length,  just  before 
they  reached  the  bank  where  they  had  disem- 
barked, the  ammunition  for  the  howitz^^rs  being 
exhausted,  Frank  requested  permission  to  retreat 
still  more  rapidly,  and  get  his  guns  on  board 
the  nearest  vessel. 

"  That  request  is  in  perfect  keeping  with  your 
conduct  during  the  fight,"  returned  Mr.  Howe, 
sneeringly.  "The  plea  of  saving  your  battery  is 
a  very  handy  one ;  but  if  you  are  afraid  to  re- 
main here  with  us,  you  may  run  as  fiist  as  you 
wish.  I  'd  be  ashamed  to  hold  up  my  head  after 
this,  if  I  were  in  your  place." 

"I  am  not  afraid  to  remain  here,  sir,"  answered 
Frank,  with  a  good  deal  of  spirit;  "and  if  you 
say  that  I  have  acted  the  part  of  a  coward  dur- 
ing this  fight,  I  defy  you  to  prove  the  charge. 
The  idea  that  I  am  afraid,  because  I  wish  to  re- 
treat in  order  to  save  my  battery,  is  absurd.  Run 
those  guns  along  lively,  lads." 

Frank  succeeded  in  getting  his  howitzers  on 
board  one  of  the  tin-clads,  which  still  lay  along- 


78  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

side  of  the  bank,  "without  the  loss  of  another  man. 
A  moment  afterward  the  sailors  came  pouring 
down  the  bank.  As  soon  as  thej  were  all  on 
board,  the  vessels  moved  out  into  the  stream,  and 
commenced  shelling  the  woods.  While  thus  en- 
gaged, the  Ticonderoga  came^down  the  river,  and, 
after  dropping  her  anchor,  signaled  for  the  officer 
in  command  of  the  expedition  to  repair  on  board. 
Mr.  Howe  at  once  put  off  in  a  boat  to  obey  the 
order,  while  the  vessel  in  which  Frank  had  taken 
refuge  ran  alongside  of  the  Ticonderoga,  and  as 
soon  as  the  battery  had  been  taken  off,  the  men, 
covered  with  dust  and  blood,  and  their  faces  be- 
grimed with  powder,  stood  silently  around  the 
guns,  while  the  remainder  of  the  crew  gathered  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  deck,  and  regarded  their 
comrades  with  sorrow  depicted  in  every  feature  of 
their  sun-burnt  faces.  Frank  knew  that  the  fight 
had  been  a  most  desperate  one,  and  that  he  had 
lost  many  of  his  men;  but  he  could  scarcely  be- 
lieve his  eyes,  when  he  found  that  out  of  the  forty 
brave  fellows  who  had  started  out  with  him  in  the 
morning,  but  fifteen  remained — more  than  half 
had  been  left  dead  on  the  field,  or  prisoners  in  the 
hands  of  the  rebels. 


THE   FIGIIl    IN   THE    WOODS.  79 

In  a  scarcely  -audible  voice  he  called  the  roll, 
and  his  emotion  increased  when,  at  almost  every 
third  name,  some  one  answered: 

"Not  here,  sir." 

In  a  few  moments  the  captain  appeared  on 
deck.  The  report  of  the  commander  of  the  expe- 
dition had,  of  course,  been  unfavorable,  and  the 
captain's  face  wore  a  look  of  trouble.  Hastily 
running  his  eye  over  the  line  of  dusty,  bleed- 
ing men  that  stood  before  him,  he  said,  in  a  low 
voice,  as  if  talking  to  himself: 

"Only  fifteen  left.  I  could  ill  afi"ord  to  lose  so 
many  men.  You  may  go  below,  lads.  Doctor, 
see  that  the  very  best  care  is  taken  of  the 
"wounded." 

After  delivering  this  order,  the  captain,  who 
was  evidently  ill  at  ease,  turned  and  walked  down 
into  his  cabin. 


80 


FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURO. 


CHAPTER   V. 

s^^^l^JjCj^  soon  as  the  men  had  disappeared, 
"^^^/vIC^  Frank,  with  a  heavy  heart,  re- 
^-«sif5^f>lv4-  paired  to  his  room  to  dress  for  sup- 
per. He  thought  over  all  the  little 
incidents  of  the  day,  and  frequently 
detected  himself  in  saying :  "  Only 
fifteen  men  left;  fifteen  out  of  forty ! '"' 
What  a  slauo:hter — a  useless  slauditer — there 
had  been!  And  all  had  been  occasioned  by  the 
ignorance  of  the  commanding  officer  of  the  expe- 
dition. Had  Frank  been  allowed  to  retain  the 
sheltered  position  which  he  had  at  first  taken  up, 
the  result  would  have  been  far  different.  And 
how  had  he  escaped  without  even  a  scratch  ?  He 
had  stood  beside  his  men  during  the  whole  of  the 
£g]it — freely  exposing  himself,  and,  rendered  con- 
spicuous by  his  uniform,  had  signaled  the  vessel 


IN  THE  HANDS  OF  THE  "  JOHNNIES  "  AGAIN.      81 

twice ;  ■  aud  each  time  the  flag  had  been  riddled 
by  bullets,  but  not  a  shot  had  touched  him !  It 
seemed  but  little  short  of  a  miracle  that  he  had 
come  off  unscathed,  when  so  many  men  had  fallen 
around  him. 

He  was  interrupted  in  his  meditations  by  the 
entrance  of  the  orderly,  who  informed  him  that  his 
presence  was  wanted  in  the  cabin.  Frank  hastily 
pulled  on  his  coat  and  repaired  thither.  As  he 
entered,  the  captain  said  : 

"  Take  a  chair,  Mr.  Nelson.  I  wish  to  have  a 
few  moments'  serious  conversation  with  you." 

Frank,  surprised  at  the  captain's  tone  and  man- 
ner, seated  himself,  and  the  latter  continued : 

"Are  you  aware,  sir,  that  you  have  this  day 
destroyed  all  the  confidence  I  have  hitherto  placed 
in  you,  and  have  rendered  yourself  liable  to  severe 
punishment  ?  " 

The  effect  of  this  question,  so  abruptly  put,  was 
astounding,  and  Frank  could  only  falter — 

"Sir?     I — I — don't  understand  you,  sir." 

"Mr.  Nelson,  I  am  surprised  at  you,  sir,"  said 
the  captain,  sternly.  "  I  shall  have  to  refresh  your 
memory,  then.  You  have  this  day  been  guilty 
of  misdemeanors,  any  one  of  which  renders  you 


82  FRANK   BEFORE    VICKSBURG. 

liable  to  a  court-martial,  and  to  a  disgraceful  dis- 
missal from  the  service.  In  the  first  place,  you 
have  shown  gross  disrespect  to  your  superior 
officer,  and" 

''  I  guilty  of  disrespect,  sir ! "  repeated  Frank, 
scarcely  beheving  his  ears.  "  There  must  be  some 
mistake,  sir,  for" ' 

^'  Do  n't  interrupt  me,  sir.  I  repeat,  you  have 
been  guilty  of  disrespect  to  your  superior  officer, 
and  of  cowardice,  having  been  found  with  j^our 
battery  far  in  the  rear  at  a  time  when  your  serv- 
ices were  very  much  needed  at  the  front;  and 
then,  after  the  fight  had  fairly  commenced,  as  if 
waking  up  to  a  sense  of  your  duty,  and,  no  doubt, 
wishing  to  make  amends  for  what  you  had  done, 
you,  contrary  to  orders,  recklessly  exposed  your 
men,  and,  as  a  consequence,  out  of  forty  of  the 
bravest  fellows  that  ever  trod  a  ship's  deck — 
which  were  placed  under  youi'  command  this  morn- 
ing— you  had  but  fifteen  left  when  you  returned 
on  board.  The  energy  displayed  by  you  in  work- 
ing your  battery,  and  the  manner  in  which  you 
obtained  possession  of  it,  after  you  moved  out 
from  your  sheltered  position,  and  had  been  com- 
pelled to  retreat,  were  feats  of  which  any  cfficei 


IN  THE  HANDS  OF  THE  **  JOHNNIES  "  AGAIN.      83 

might  be  justly  proud,  and  which  I  should  have 
been  most  happy  to  reward  with  your  promotion, 
had  you  not  spoiled  every  thing  by  your  infamous 
conduct  at  the  commencement  of  the  fight.  Hith- 
erto, since  you  have  been  on  board  this  ship,  you 
have  been  a  good  officer,  have  always  attended  to 
your  duties,  and  it  pains  me  to  be  obliged  to  talk 
to  you  in  this  manner.  I  never  thought  that  you, 
after  what  you  did  at  Cypress  Bend,  while  you 
were  on  board  of  the  Milwaukee,  would  ever  have 
been  guilty  of  such  misdemeanors.  However,  as 
your  conduct  heretofore  has  always  been  such  as  I 
could  approve,  I  shall  see  that  no  charges  are  made 
against  you;  and  I  sincerely  hope  that  what  you 
have  learned  to-day  will  be  a  lesson  that  you  will 
never  forget.  I  shall  give  you  sufficient  opportu- 
nities to  make  amends  for  what  you  have  done, 
and  I  shall  commence  by  sending  you  ashore  with 
a  flag  of  truce,  to  ask  permission  of  the  rebels  to 
bury  our  dead.     You  may  start  at  once,  sir." 

This  was  a  hint  that  his  presence  in  the  cabin 
was  no  longer  desirable,  and  Frank,  who,  in  his 
confusion  and  bewilderment  scarcely  knew  what 
he  was  doing,  made  his  best  bow  and  retired. 

What  his  feelinojs  were  as  he  listened  to  this 


84  FRANK.  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

rep.imand,  administered  by  the  captain,  who  never 
before  had  spoken  a  harsh  word  to  him,  it  is  im- 
possible to  describe.  He  again  thought  over 
every  thing  he  had  done  during  the  fight;  how  he 
had,  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  beaten 
back  the  rebels,  with  a  mere  handful  of  men ;  how 
he  had,  in  obedience  to  orders,  taken  the  exposed 
position  where  he  had  lost  so  many  of  his  gun's 
crew,  and  which  he  had  held  in  spite  of  the  storm 
of  bullets  that  rained  around  him,  until  the  whole 
line  had  been  compelled  to  retreat,  and  he  was  left 
unsupported ;  how  he  had  twice  risked  his  hfe  in 
signaling  the  ship ;  and  how,  when  the  retreat  was 
ordered  he  had  brought  back  his  guns  in  safety: 
he  thought  of  all  these  things,  and  wondered  where 
the  charge  of  cowardice  could  be  brought  in. 
And  then,  when  and  how  had  he  been  guilty  of 
disrespect  to  his  superior  officer?  Certainly  not 
in  remonstrating  against  ordering  the  men  to 
stack  their  arms,  for  that  was  a  privilege  to  which 
he,  as  one  of  the  commanding  officers  of  the  expe- 
dition, was  entitled.  In  regard  to  recklessly  ex- 
posing his  men,  the  case  was  not  quite  so  clear. 
It  was  true  that,  in  the  beginning  of  the  fight, 
he  had  ordered  a  charge   upon  the   rebels,  who 


IN  THE  UANDS  OF  THE  "  JOHNNIES  "  AGAIN.      85 

greatly  outnumbered  his  own  men,  and  had  easily 
driven  them,  without  loss  to  himself:  perhaps  it 
was  there  that  the  third  charge  had  been  brought 
in.  But  although  he  was  conscious  that  he  had 
endeavored  to  do  his  whole  duty,  the  words  of  the 
captain  had  cut  him  to  the  quick.  It  had  been  an 
unlucky  day  for  him.  The  expedition  had  proved 
a  failure,  and  he  had  been  accused  of  misde- 
meanors of  which  he  had  never  dreamed.  It 
seemed  as  if  fate  was  against  him. 

"  I  beheve,  as  Archie  used  to  say,"  he  solilo- 
quized, "that  I  am  the  unluckiest  dog  in  exist- 
ence.    Troubles  never  come  singly." 

"  The  captain  wishes  to  see  you,  sir,"  said  one 
of  the  men,  stepping  up  and  interrupting  his 
meditations. 

"All  right,"  answered  Frank,  who  was  so  com- 
pletely absorbed  in  his  reverie  that  he  was  en- 
tirely unconscious  of  what  was  going  on  around 
him  ;  "  call  all  hands  to  quarters  immediately." 

''Sir  —  I — I  don't  mean — sir — the  captain 
wishes  to  speak  with  you,  sir,"  repeated  the 
Bailor,  half  inclined  to  believe  that  Frank  was 
getting  crazy.  This  aroused  the  young  officer  to 
a  sense   of  his   situation;    as  he  approached  the 


86  IPRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

quarter-deck,  Tvliere  tlie  captain  was  standing,  the 
latter  said : 

"Mr.  Nelson,  do  you  intend  to  go  ashore  with 
that  flag  of  truce,  sir?" 

"I  beg  your  pardon,  sir,"  faltered  Frank,  "I 
forgot  all  about  that.  Will  you  have  the  kind- 
ness to  call  away  the  first  cutter  ? "  he  continued, 
approaching  the  quarter-master,  and  saluting  him 
as  the  officer  of  the  deck. 

"Mr.  Nelson,"  shouted  the  captain,  "what  are 
you  doing?     Are  you  crazy,  sir?" 

"I  believe  I  am,  captain,  or  pretty  near  it," 
answered  Frank.  "  The  charges  that  have  been 
brought  against  me  have  well-nigh  upset  me. 
They  are  false,  sir,  and  I  do  n't  deserve  the  rep- 
rimand I  have  received." 

In  his  next  attempt  to  find  the  officer  of  the 
deck  Frank  met  with  more  success.  While  the 
cutter  was  being  manned,  he  ran  down  into  the 
steerage,  and  seizing  a  pen,  hastily  dashed  off 
the  folio  wins: . 


United  States  Steamer  Ticonderoqa,  | 
Off  Cypress  Bend,  Oct.  30,  1863.      J 
Sm: 

Having  been  reported,  bj  the  officer  in  command  of  an 
expedition — sent  ashore  this  day  for  the  purpose  of  dislodg- 


IN  THE  HANDS  OF  TUE  " JOHNNIES "  AGAIN.      87 

ing  a  body  of  rebels  posted  behind  the  levee — for  cowardice, 
disrespect  to  my  superior  officer,  and  for  recklessly  exposing 
my  men  to  ttie  tire  of  the  rebels,  and  knowing,  sir,  that  these 
charges  are  utterly  groundless,  I  respectfully  request  that  a 
Court  of  Inquiry  may  be  convened  to  examine  into  my  be- 
havior while  under  the  enemy's  fire. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Frank  Nelson, 
Acting  Master's  Mate. 
Acting  Rear-Admiral  D.  D.  Porter,  U.  S.  N., 
Commanding  Miss.  Squadron. 

While  he  was  sealing  the  envelope  the  mes- 
senger boj  entered  and  reported  the  cutter  ready. 
Frank  ran  on  deck,  and,  after  giving  the  commu- 
nication to  the  captain,  with  a  request  that  it 
might  be  approved  and  forwarded  to  the  Admiral, 
he  sprang  into  the  boat,  and  gave  the  order  to 
shove  off. 

The  old  boatswain's  mate,  who  was  acting  as 
the  coxswain  of  the  cutter,  had  rigged  up  a  flag 
of  truce.  As  they  pulled  toward  the  shore, 
Frank  waved  this  above  his  head  until  he  elicited 
a  similar  response  from  the  bank ;  then,  throwing 
down  the  flag,  he  seated  himself  in  the  stern 
sheets,  and  covered  his  face  with  his  hands.  The 
old  mate,  mistaking  his  emotion  for  sorrow  at  the 
death  of  so  many  of  his  men,  said : 


88  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

^^  Yes,  it  is  a  hard  case.  Not  a  few  of  us  are 
left  without  our  chums  ;  but  we  all  know  it  was  n't 
your  fault.  There  would  have  been  more  of  us 
left  if  you  had  been  allowed  to  have  your  own 
way." 

"  Then  I  did  not  expose  you  needlessly,  did  I, 
Jack?" 

"  Why,  bless  you,  no,  sir.  Who  says  you  did, 
su'?"  inquired  one  of  the  crew. 

"But  tell  me  one  thing,  Jack,"  said  Frank, 
his  face  still  covered  with  his  hands,  "Am  I  a 
coward?" 

"No,  sir,"  answered  the  mate,  indignantly; 
"'cause  if  you  was,  you  wouldn't  have  held  on 
to  them  guns  as  long  as  you  did,  and  you  would 
not  have  pitched  into  that  rebel  atween  the  lines, 
as  you  did  about  a  year  ago,  at  this  very  place. 
In  course  you  ain't  no  coward." 

This  was  some  consolation.  The  men  whom  he 
commanded,  and  who  had  always  cheerfully  fol- 
lowed where  he  had  dared  to  lead,  thought  very 
differently  from  the  man  who  had  retreated  almost 
before  the  fight  had  commenced,  and  who,  to  screen 
hiii-self,  had  brought  those  charges  against  one 
whose  conduct  had  always  been  above  reproach. 


IN  TUE  HANDS  OF  THE 

"  Yes,  as  you  say,  it  is  a  hard  case,  Jack,"  said 
Frank,  uncovering  bis  face,  and  glancing  to^Yard 
the  rebels  who  thronged  the  levee.  "  It  is  a  hard 
case,  indeed,  but  I  will  come  out  at  the  top  of  the 
heap  yet." 

"What's  the  matter,  sir?"  inquired  the  mate. 
"  Any  one  been  wrongin'  you,  sir  ?  He  'd  better 
not  show  his  ugly  figure-head  when  what 's  left  of 
the  first  division  has  shore  liberty.  We  '11  douse 
his  top-lights  for  him."  • 

By  this  time  the  cutter  had  reached  the  shore, 
and  Frank,  taking  the  flag  of  truce,  sprang  out, 
and  walked  up  the  bank  to  where  a  group  of  offi- 
cers was  standing. 

"  Wal,  Yank,  what  do  you  want  now?"  inquired 
a  man  dressed  in  the  uniform  of  a  colonel. 

How  Frank  started  when  he  heard  that  voice. 
Could  he  be  mistaken  ?  He  had  certainly  heard 
it  before,  and  he  remembered  the  time  when  it 
had  given  an  order  which  still  rang  in  his  ears : 
"  Stiles,  you  stay  here  until  this  man  dies."  He 
looked  at  the  men,  some  of  whom  were  lying 
on  the  ground  about  the  levee,  and  others  stand- 
ing at  a  Httle  distance,  waiting  to  hear  what 
was  going  to  be  the  result  of  the  interview,  and 


90  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

vrliat  haa  at  first  appeared  a  vague  suspicion,  no«f 
forced  itself  upon  Frank  as  a  dread  reality.  He 
was  in  the  presence  of  Colonel  Harrison  and  the 
Louisiana  Wild-cats.  Nothing  but  a  bold  front 
could  save  him,  for  he  knew  that  these  men  paid 
very  little  respect  to  a  flag  of  truce,  unless  it  was 
likely  to  further  their  own  interests ;  and  if  he 
should  be  recognized,  his  recapture  was  certain, 
and  then,  what  would  be  his  fate?  Would  not 
summary  vengeance  be  taken  upon  him,  in  retaha- 
tion  for  the  manner  in  which  he  had  treated  the 
sentinel  on  the  night  of  his  escape,  and  the  way 
he  had  served  the  man  who  had  overtaken  him  in 
the  woods?  Brave  as  Frank  was,  and  accustomed 
as  he  had  become  to  look  danger  in  the  face,  he 
could  not  but  regard  his  situation  as  critical  in 
the  extreme. 

^'  What  did  you  say  your  business  was,  Yank?" 
inquired  the  colonel  again. 

"I  wish  to  see  the  commanding  officer,"  said 
Frank,  steadily  meeting  the  rebel's  searching 
glance.      "I  wish  permission  to  bury  our  dead." 

*'Well,  that's  a  fair  request,"  said  the  colonel, 
carelessly.  ^' I  don't  know  as  I  have  any  objec- 
tion to  it.     Want  your  prisoners  also?" 


IN  THE  HANDS  OF  THE  "  JOHNNIES "  AGAIN.    91 

"Yes,  sir,"  answered  Frank,  with  a  smile.  "I 
sliould  like  to  take  them  back  to  the  ship  with  me. 
But  you  know  that  I  have  none  to  exchange  for 
them." 

"  That 's  what  I  thought.  I  could  n't  afford  to 
give  your  men  back  for  nothing." 

"I  didn't  suppose  you  would.  But  have  we 
your  permission  to  come  ashore  and  bury  our 
dead?"  inquired  Frank,  who  was  anxious  to  bring 
the  interview  to  an  end. 

*'Yes,"  answered  the  colonel,  "and  we  will 
leave  the  field  in  your  possession.  You  will  send 
that  message  by  one  of  your  men,  for  I  don't 
think,  youngster,  that  you  can  go  back.  If  I  am 
not  very  much  mistaken,  I've  got  a  better  right 
to  you  than  any  one  else." 

"Yes,  colonel,"  shouted  one  of  the  men,  "I'll 
be  dog-gone  if  I  did  n't  think  he  was  the  chap 
that  give  us  the  slip  at  Shreveport." 

"I  didn't  think  I  could  be  mistaken,"  said  the 
colonel.  "So,  youngster,  just  consider  yourself 
a  prisoner." 

"What  do  you  mean,  sir?  You  have  no  claim 
whatever  upon  me,  and  never  had!"  exclaimed 
Frank,  indignantly.    "  I  am  acting  in  obedience  to 


92  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSCURa. 

orders,  and  am  under  the  protection  of  this  flag 
of  truce." 

"Yerj  TV  ell  spoken.  But  what  do  you  suppose 
we  care  for  that  dish-rag?  Besides,  I  say  we 
have  a  good  claim  upon  you,  for  you  have  never 
been  exchanged.  Here,  Jim  ! "  he  shouted  to  one 
of  his  men,  ^'put  this  little  Yank  with  the  rest, 
and  don't  give  him  a  chance  to  get  away  this 
time." 

The  man  advanced  to  obey  the  order,  and  when 
he  came  up  to  the  place  where  Frank  was  stand- 
ing, he  seized  him  by  the  hair  and  shook  him  until 
every  tooth  in  his  head  rattled. 

"  Avast  heavin'  there,  you  land-lubber ! "  shouted 
the  ruate,  who  until  this  time  had  remained  in  the 
boat  with  the  crew ;  and,  springing  ashore,  he  ran 
up  the  bank,  and  with  one  blow  of  his  fist  felled 
the  rebel  to  the  ground. 

"Here  we  have  it,"  said  the  colonel,  who,  in- 
stead of  defending  Frank,  seemed  to  consider  the 
manner  in  which  he  was  treated  a  good  joke. 
*'Boys,  secure  this  blue-jacket  also." 

*'No  you  don't,  Johnny!"  exclaimed  the  mate, 
as  one  of  the  men  sprang  forward  to  seize  him. 
"If  you  think  that  one  of  you  is  as  good  as  five 


Yankee  sailors,  now  is  youi'  chance  to  try  it  on. 
It  '11  take  more  'n  one  of  you  to  put  the  bracelets 
on  me ; "  and,  as  he  spoke,  he  planted  another  of 
his  tremendous  blows  in  the  face  of  the  advancing]: 
rebel,  which  lifted  him  completely  off  his  feet. 
But  before  he  had  time  to  repeat  it,  he  was  over 
powered  by  half  a  dozen  rebels,  who  had  run  to 
the  assistance  of  their  comrade.  After  a  hard 
struggle,  he  was  secured,  and  his  hands  were 
bound  behind  his  back. 

"Now,  you  fellows,"  said  the  colonel,  address 
mg  himself  to  the  men  in  the  boat,  "  get  back  to 
your  vessel;  tell  the   captain  how  matters  stand, 
and  also  that  he  may  come  ashore  and  bury  his 
dead  as  soon  as  he  chooses." 

"Tell  the  first  division,"  said  the  mate,  "that 
the  next  time  they  go  into  action  they  must  give 
one  shot  for  Jack  Waters.  If  you  fellers  do  n't 
pay  for  this,"  he  continued,  turning  to  the  rebels, 
"then  blast  my  to'-gallant  top-lights."» 

"Tell  the  captain,"  chimed  in  Frank,  "that  he 
had  better  not  trust  these  men  again,  for  they  are 
not  sufficiently  civilized  to  know  what  a  flag  of 
truce  is." 

"You  are  very  complimentary,  young  man,  to 


94  FRAXK   BEFORE   YICKSBURQ. 

say  the  least,"  said  a  rebel,  who  "was  standing  near 
the  colonel. 

"  I  am  telling  the  plain  truth,"  answered 
Frank,  "  and  you  will  find  that  your  barbarous 
mode  of  warfare  will  never  succeed;  and  that 
the  crew  of  that  vessel  will  never  allow  the  mean 
action  of  which  you  have  been  guilty  to  pass  un- 
noticed." 

"Douse  my  top-lights  but  that's  the  truth,"  said 
the  mate,  making  an  efibrt  with  his  confined  hands 
to  salute  his  officer. 

*'See  that  these  prisoners  are  well  secured," 
said  the  colonel,  "  and  be  sure  and  take  special 
care  of  that  youngster,  for  if  you  allow  him  the 
least  chance,  he  '11  escape,"  and  the  colonel  turned 
on  his  heel  and  walked  away. 

In  obedience  to  these  instructions,  Frank  and 
the  mate  were  delivered  into  the  charge  of  a  ser- 
geant, who  at  once  conducted  them  toward  the 
place  where  the  prisoners  which  had  been  taken 
during  the  fight  were  confined  under  guard.  As 
they  passed  along  through  the  rebels,  they  were 
insulted  at  every  step,  and  finally  a  man  di-ew 
his  ramrod  out  of  his  gun,  and  seizing  Frank  by 
the  collar,  proceeded  to  give  him  a  severe  thrash- 


IN  THE  HANDS  OF  THE  "  JOHNNIES  "  AGAIN.      95 

ing.  Frank  immediatclj  appealed  to  the  sergeant, 
who,  instead  of  oflfering  to  defend  him,  stood  at  a 
little  distance,  watching  the  operation,  as  if  not  at 
all  concerned.  The  mate  was  fairly  beside  him- 
self with  rage,  and  struggled  desperately  to  free 
his  hands,  all  the  while  venting  his  anger  by 
"dousing"  his  "top-lights"  and  "shivering"  his 
own  "timbers."  The  rebel  continued  his  punish- 
ment amid  the  cheers  of  his  companions,  and  at 
every  stroke  of  his  ramrod  he  exclaimed:  "Shot 
the  best  blood-hound  in  Louisiana,  did  ye  !  Stick 
a  bayonet  into  young  Davis,  won't  ye!"  until 
Frank,  smarting  with  the  pain,  determined  to  de- 
fend himself. 

"Unhand  me,  you  scoundrel!"  he  shouted; 
*  1  've  had  just  about  enough  of  this."  Turn- 
ing fiercely  upon  his  persecutor,  he  snatched  the 
ramrod  from  his  hand,  and  commenced  laying  it 
over  his  head  and  shoulders.  The  rebel,  after 
trying  in  vain  to  defend  himself,  retreated  precipi- 
tately, amid  the  jeers  of  his  comrades,  and  shouts 
of  derision  from  the  mate.  The  sergeant  here 
thought  it  time  to  interfere,  and  Frank  and  the 
mate  were  not  again  molested. 


96  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURO. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

j^^^=.  HEY  found  that  the  rebels  Iiad  cap- 
y^J  tured  nearly  twenty  of  their  men, 
several  of  them  badly  wounded, 
and,  as  there  was  no  surgeon  with  the 
enemy,  the  poor  fellows  were  sufifering 
intensely,  Frank  shuddered  when  he 
thought  of  the  inhuman  treatment  to 
which  his  wounded  companions  had  been  subjected 
by  the  very  men  in  whose  power  they  now  were, 
on  the  march  from  Vicksburg  to  Shreveport ;  and 
he  knew,  from  the  scenes  through  which  he  had 
just  passed,  that  the  Wild-cats  had  not  grown 
more  lenient  in  their  treatment  of  those  who  were 
so  unfortunate  as  to  fall  into  their  power.  A? 
soon  as  they  were  placed  under  guard.  Jack's 
hands  were  unbound,  and  he  seated  himself  on  the 
ground  beside  his  officer,  in  no  very  amiable  mood. 


AN   OLD   ACQUAINTANCE.  97 

"  It  is  n't  for  myself  that  I  care,  sir,"  said  he  : 
"but  I  am  afraid  that  the  treatment  jou  will  re- 
ceive "will  be  a  heap  worse  nor  kcel-haulin'  on  a 
cold  winter's  mornin'." 

"Don't  talk  so  loud,  Jack,"  whispered  Frank, 
glancing  toward  the  guard,  who  was  w^alking  his 
beat  but  a  short  distance  from  them.  "I've  been 
in  just  such  scrapes  as  this  before,  and  I'm  not 
going  to  be  strung  up.  If  they  give  me  the 
least  chance  for  life,  I  'm  going  to  take  advantage 
of  it." 

"There  comes  a  boat  from  the  ship,  sir,"  said 
the  mate.  "If  we  could  only  give  them  the  shp 
now." 

"No,  sit  still;  we  are  watched  too  closely;  wait 
until  to-night." 

In  a  short  time  the  cutter  reached  the  shore, 
and  an  officer,  whom  they  recognized  as  the  gun- 
ner, sprang  out  with  a  flag  of  truce  in  his  hand. 
He  walked  straight  up  to  Colonel  Harrison. 
After  a  short  conversation  with  that  individual, 
he  handed  him  a  letter,  and,  accompanied  by  a 
rebel  officer,  approached  the  place  where  Frank 
was  sitting. 

"Well,  old  fellow,"  he  said,  as  he  came  up, 
7 


98        FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURG. 

"I'm  sorry  to  see  you  in  this  fix.  But  I've  got 
good  news  for  you.  The  colonel  has  given  me 
permission  to  inform  you  that  you  "will  be  well 
treated  as  long  as  you  remain  a  prisoner.  You 
Bee,  we  happen  to  have  a  prisoner  who  belongs  to 
this  regiment  on  board  the  flag-ship,  and  the  cap- 
tain is  going  to  ask  the  admiral  to  exchange  him 
for  you.  So  keep  a  stiff  upper  lip.  Do  n't  think 
of  trying  to  escape,  and  we  shall  see  you  on  board 
of  the  ship  again  in  less  than  a  week.     Good-by." 

"Frank  and  the  mate  shook  hands  with  the 
gunner,  who  walked  back  to  the  place  where  he 
had  left  his  men,  and  set  them  to  w^ork  collecting 
and  burying  the  dead. 

After  considerable  trouble,  an  agreement  was 
entered  into  between  Captain  Wilson  and  the  col- 
onel, and  all  the  prisoners,  with  the  exception  of 
Frank  and  the  mate,  were  paroled  and  allowed  to 
return  on  board  the  vessel,  after  which  the  Wild- 
cats mounted  their  horses  and  commenced  march- 
ing back  into  the  country.  While  the  fight  had 
been  raging,  their  horses  were  safely  hidden  in  the 
woods,  out  of  range  of  the  Ticonderoga's  guns ; 
and  when  they  were  brought  out,  Frank,  although 
he  had  not  seen  either  a  dead  or  wounded  rebel, 


AN   OLD   ACQUAINTANCE.  99 

was  able  to  judge  pretty  accurately  of  the  number 
that  had  been  disabled  in  the  struggle,  by  count- 
ing the  empty  saddles.  AVhat  had  been  done  with 
the  dead  and  wounded  he  could  not  ascertain  ; 
but  the  probability  was,  that  the  latter  had  been 
carried  on  in  advance  of  the  main  body  of  the 
regiment,  and  the  former  hastily  buried  on  the 
field.  The  prisoners  were  each  given  a  horse, 
and  Frank  was  a  good  deal  surprised  to  find  that 
although  the  mate  was  closely  watched,  scarcely 
any  attention  was  paid  to  himself;  his  captors,  no 
doubt,  thinking  that  he  would  prefer  waiting  to  be 
exchanged,  rather  than  run  the  risk  of  the  pun- 
ishment that  had  been  threatened  in  case  he  was 
detected  in  any  attempt  at  escape.  He  was  given 
to  understand  that  it  was  useless  to  think  of  flight, 
for  he  would  certainly  be  recaptured,  even  if  he 
succeeded  in  getting  outside  of  the  pickets,  and 
that  he  would  be  shot  down  without  mercy.  But 
Frank,  who  well  knew  that  the  rebels  would  not 
willingly  lose  an  opportunity  of  regaining  one  of 
their  officers,  was  not  at  all  intimidated  by  these 
threats ;  and,  as  he  had  not  bound  himself  to 
remain  a  passive  prisoner,  he  commenced  laying 
his  plans  for  escape,  intending  to  put  them  into 


100  FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURG. 

operation  at  the  very  first  opportunity  wliich 
offered. 

Just  before  dark  the  column  halted  in  front  of  a 
plantation,  and  commenced  making  its  camp  on 
each  side  of  the  road.  While  the  men  were  mak- 
ing their  preparations  for  the  night,  the  colonel, 
who  evidently  preferred  more  comfortable  quarters 
than  could  be  found  in  the  open  an-,  repaired  to 
the  house,  where  he  was  cordially  greeted  by  its 
inmates. 

Frank  and  the  mate  lay  down  on  the  ground  by 
the  side  of  the  road,  and  were  talking  over  the  in- 
cidents of  the  day,  when  a  dashing  young  lieuten- 
ant stepped  up,  and  inquired  : 

"Yanks,  don't  you  want  something  to  eat? 
Come  into  our  mess;  we  want  to  talk  to  you.  I'll 
hold  myself  responsible  for  their  safe  return,"  he 
continued,  turning  to  the  guard. 

This  individual,  after  a  few  moments'  consider- 
ation, concluded  that  the  "Yanks  could  pass," 
and  the  prisoners  followed  the  lieutenant  to  the 
place  where  the  members  of  the  mess  to  which  he 
belonged  were  seated  on  the  ground,  eating  theii 
suppers. 

"  Sit  down,  Yanks,  at  the  very  first  good  place 


AN    OLD   ACQUAINTANCE.  101 

you  can  find,"  said  tlicir  host.  ^'  Our  chairs  have 
been  sent  on  board  one  of  your  gun-boats  to  be 
repaired,  and  the  sofa  has  n't  come  in  yet.  Do 
you  ever  have  as  good  a  supper  as  this  on  board 
your  men-o'-war?" 

"  0  yes,"  repUed  Frank,  glancing  at  the  dif- 
ferent dishes  that  were  scattered  about  over  the 
ground,  which  contained  corn-bread  just  raked  out 
from  the  ashes,  salt  pork,  onions,  and  boiled 
chicken,  the  latter  evidently  the  fruits  of  a  raid 
on  some  well-stocked  hen-roost.  "0  yes,  we  live 
very  well  on  board  our  boats.  There  is  nothing 
to  hinder  us,  if  we  have  a  caterer  worth  a  cent." 

"  "Where  do  you  get  your  grub  ? "  asked  the 
lieutenant.  "We  steal  every  thing  along  the 
shore  that  we  can  lay  our  hands  on,  just  to  keep 
it  away  from  you,  and  there  are  no  provisions  at 
the  North." 

""Well,  you  need  not  believe  any  such  story  as 
that,"  answered  Frank,  who  could  not  help  laugh- 
ing outright  at  the  idea  of  the  people  at  the  North 
having  no  provisions  to  spare.  "  I  never  knew  a 
gun-boat  to  be  short  of  rations,  except  down  the 
Yazoo  Pass." 

"  "Well,  then,  some  of  our  folks  tell  what  is  not 


102  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

the  truth,"  said  one  of  the  officers,  who  had  not 
yet  spoken.  "But,  to  change  the  subject,  how 
many  men  did  you  lose  in  the  action  to-day  ?  " 

''  I  am  not  able  to  tell,"  replied  Frank.  "  I  see 
that  you  have  taken  good  care  to  hide  your  loss. 
I  have  n't  seen  a  single  wounded  man  since  I  have 
been  with  you,  and  I  know  I  saw  several  drop 
during  the  fight." 

"Yes,  we  did  lose  a  few  men,"  said  the  lieu- 
tenant ;  "  how  many,  you  will  never  know.  But, 
to  change  the  subject  again,  what  did  you  come 
down  here  to  fight  us  for  ?  " 

"Now,  see  here,"  said  Frank,  setting  down  his 
plate,  which  had  been  plentifully  supplied  by  the 
lieutenant,  "you  were  kind  enough  to  ask  me 
here  to  get  some  supper,  and  I  do  n't  want  to 
spoil  a  good  meal  by  entering  into  a  pohtical  dis- 
cussion; for,  if  I  answer  your  question,  I  shall 
tell  you  some  pretty  plain  things,  and  I  know  yon 
will  get  provoked  at  me." 

"0  no,  we  are  not  as  unreasonable  as  that,"  re- 
plied the  man.     "  Answer  my  question." 

"Well,  then,"  said  Frank,  "I  will  make  the 
Bame  reply  as  I  once  did  to  that  question  in  the 
prison  at  Shreveport.     It  is  this  :  I  believe  that  if 


AN  OLD   ACQUAINTANCE.  103 

ever  there  was  a  lot  of  men  in  the  world  who  need 
a  good,  sound  thrashing,  you  rebels  do." 

"  That 's  the  truth,  sir,"  said  Jack,  talking  as 
plainly  as  a  mouthful  of  salt  pork  would  permit. 
"  Stand  up  for  the  old  flag,  sir.' 

The  discussion  thus  commenced  was  maintained 
for  an  hour,  the  rebels  evincing  the  utmost  igno- 
rance in  regard  to  the  principles  for  which  they 
were  fii}rhtinoj;  and  the  manner  in  which  Frank 
knocked  their  flimsy  arguments  right  and  left,  and 
the  fearlessness  with  which  he  upheld  the  course 
the  government  has  pursued,  and  predicted  the 
speedy  overthrow  of  the  rebellion,  excited  their 
respect  and  admiration. 

At  length  bedtime  came,  and,  just  as  Frank 
and  the  mate  were  about  to  be  conducted  back  to 
the  guard,  Colonel  Harrison,  accompanied  by  two 
ladies  and  a  strange  oflicer,  walked  up. 

"  Here,  Yank,"  he  exclaimed,  addressing  Frank, 
"  here 's  an  old  acquaintance  of  yours.  Come 
here." 

As  Frank  obeyed  the  order,  the  strange  officer 
advanced  to  meet  him,  and  he  recognized  Lieu- 
tenant Somers.  He  was  not  at  all  pleased  to  see 
"him,  for  the  lieutenant,  doubtless,  had  not  forgot- 


104  FRANK   BEFORE  VICKSBURO. 

ten  the  circumstances  connected  with  his  capture, 
and  although  he  could  not  remember  of  ever  hav- 
ing treated  him  badly,  still  he  feared  he  might 
harbor  some  feelings  of  malice,  and  might  see  fit 
to  take  a  summary  revenge  upon  him.  To  his 
surprise,  however,  the  rebel  eagerly  advanced  to 
meet  him,  and,  extending  his  hand,  greeted  him 
with : 

"  How  are  you,  Nelson  ?  You  're  in  a  fix,  I 
see.  I  am  the  free  man  now,  and  you  the  pris- 
oner." 

"  Yes,"  answered  Frank,  "  I  'm  in  for  it  again, 
Although  I  was  captured  in  violation  of  all  the 
rules  of  war,  I  suppose  I  must  submit  to  it  for 
awhile." 

The  lieutenant  passed  nearly  an  hour  in  con- 
versation with  him,  talking  over  all  the  little  inci- 
dents that  had  happened  while  he  was  a  prisoner 
in  the  hands  of  Frank  and  his  fellow-fugitives, 
and  was  compelled  to  pilot  them  through  tht 
country,  and  ended  by  saying : 

"Although  you  were  sometimes  obliged  to  use 
me  rather  roughly,  you  did  the  best  you  could 
under  the  circumstances,  and  I  shall  let  you  see 
that  I   do  n't  forget  favors.     I  '11  speak  to  the 


AN   OLD    ACQUAINTANCE.  105 

colonel,  and  get  him  to  furnish  you  with  quartei'S 
at  the  plantation  to-night." 

The  lieutenant  then  left  them,  and  shortly 
afterward  a  corporal  and  his  guard  came  up,  and 
conducted  Frank  and  the  mate  to  the  plantation, 
where  they  were  confined  in  a  deserted  negro 
cabin.  A  few  blankets  had  been  spread  out  on 
the  floor  to  serve  as  a  bed,  and,  had  they  been 
among  friends,  they  could  have  passed  a  very 
comfortable  night. 

As  soon  as  the  corporal  had  locked  the  door 
and  retired,  the  mate,  who  had  been  examining 
their  quarters,  said : 

"I  wish,  sir,  that  lieutenant  hadn't  taken  so 
much  interest  in  you,  'cause  we  're  in  Darby  now, 
sure." 

"  We  are  much  better  off  than  we  would  be  out 
in  the  camp,"  answered  Frank.  "  Try  that  win- 
dow-shutter— carefully,  now." 

The  mate  did  as  he  was  ordered,  and,  to 
Frank's  joy,  reported  that  it  was  unfastened. 

"  Now,"  said  the  latter,  "  the  next  thing  is  to 
ascertain  where  the  sentries  are  posted." 

"  There 's  one  out  aft  here,"  replied  the  mate, 
"  'cause  I  can  see  him ;  and  there 's  one  at  the 


106  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

gangway  for'ard,  'cause  I  heered  the  corporal  tell 
him  to  keep  a  good  look-out." 

^'  We  must  wait  until  the  camp  is  still,"  said 
Frank,  "  and  then  we  will  make  the  attempt." 

For  two  long  hours  the  prisoners  sat  on  theii 
rough  bed — the  mate,  in  accordance  with  the  dis- 
cipline to  which  he  had  been  accustomed  from 
boyhood,  waiting  for  his  officer  to  speak,  and 
Frank  listening  for  the  advent  of  that  silence 
which  should  proclaim  that  the  time  for  action 
had  arrived. 

Eleven  o'clock  came  at  length,  when,  just  after 
the  sentry's  cry  of  "All's  well,"  Frank  arose 
to  his  feet,  and  cautiously  approaching  the  win- 
dow, pushed  open  the  shutter  and  looked  out. 
The  sentry  was  seated  on  the  ground  at  the  cor- 
ner of  the  cabin,  holding  his  musket  across  his 
knees,  now  and  then  stretching  his  arms,  and 
yawning.  Jack  remained  seated  on  the  bed, 
while  Frank  debated  long  and  earnestly  with 
himself  as  to  what  course  it  was  best  to  pursue. 
Should  they  spring  out  and  overpower  the  sentry 
where  he  sat?  This  could  not  be  accomplished 
without  a  fight,  for  the  sentry  was  a  large,  power- 
ful-looking man,  and,  without  doubt,  possessed  of 


AN   OLD   ACQUAINTANCE.  107 

great  strength;  besides,  if  a  struggle  did  ensue, 
the  noise  would  attract  the  attention  of  the  guard 
at  the  other  side  of  the  cabin,  who  would  lend 
prompt  assistance,  and,  with  these  two  men  op- 
posed to  them,  escape  would  be  impossible.  Still, 
there  seemed  to  be  no  other  course  for  them  to 
pursue,  and  Frank  had  already  proposed  the  plan 
to  the  mate,  and  was  about  to  push  open  the 
shutter  and  make  the  attempt,  when  he  noticed 
that  the  sentinel  had  leaned  his  head  against  the 
cabin,  and  was  sleeping  soundly. 

"Jack,"  he  whispered,  "get  out  of  this  win- 
dow quickly,  and  make  the  best  of  your  way  into 
those  bushes,"  pointing  to  a  thicket  that  stood 
about  twenty  feet  from  the  cabin.  "As  soon  as 
I  see  you  safe,  I  will  follow.  Do  n't  make  any 
noise  now." 

The  mate  touched  his  cap,  lingered  for  an 
instant  to  press  Frank's  hand,  then  mounted 
lightly  into  the  window,  reached  the  ground 
without  arousing  the  rebel,  and,  in  a  moment 
more,  disappeared  in  the  bushes.  Frank  was 
about  to  follow  when  the  sentry  suddenly  awak- 
ened, rubbed  his  eyes,  gazed  vacantly  about  him, 
and  then  sank  back  to  his  former  position.     As 


108  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

soon  as  Frank  felt  certain  that  he  was  asleep, 
he  again  opened  the  shutter,  descended  noiselessly 
to  the  ground,  and,  after  carefully  closing^  the 
window,  sprang  into  the  bushes. 

"  Shiver  my  "  timbers,  sir,"  whispered  Jack, 
seizing  his  officer's  hand,  "  that  was  well  done. 
Won't  the  Johnnies  be  surprised  when  they  call 
all  hands  in  the  morning,  and  find  us  missin'  ? " 

But  the  fugitives  were  by  no  means  safe,  neither 
had  their  escape  been  accomplished.  They  were 
still  inside  of  the  lines,  and  might,  at  any  moment, 
stumble  upon  a  picket.  But  it  was  necessary 
that  they  should  get  as  far  away  from  the  camp 
as  possible  before  their  escape  became  discov- 
ered, and  Frank,  without  waiting  to  receive  the 
congratulations  of  the  mate,  who  now  looked  upon 
their  escape  as  a  certain  thing,  threw  himself  on 
his  hands  and  knees,  and  moved  slowly  across 
a  field  that  extended  a  mile  back  of  the  cabin, 
and  which  must  be  crossed  before  they  could 
reach  the  woods.  Their  progress  was  slow  and 
laborious,  and  it  was  two  hours  before  they 
reached  a  road  which  ran  in  the  direction  i& 
which  they  supposed  the  river  to  lie.  Not  hav- 
ing seen  any  pickets,  and  now  feeling  quite  certain 


AN   OLD    ACQUAINTANCE.  109 

that  they  were  outside  of  the  lines,  they  arose 
to  their  feet,  and  commenced  running  at  the  top 
of  their  speed.  The  road  ran  through  a  thick 
woods,  bat  they  had  no  difficulty  in  following 
it,  as  the  moon  was  shining  brightly.  Just  be- 
fore daylight,  they  arrived  at  the  Mississippi. 
It  was  a  pledsant  sight  to  their  eyes,  and  both 
uttered  a  shout  of  joy  when  they  found  them- 
selves standing  on  its  banks.  But  their  spirits 
fell  again,  when,  on  glancing  up  and  down  the 
river  as  far  as  their  eyes  could  reach,  they  could 
not  see  a  vessel  of  any  kind  in  sight.  They  were 
not  yet  at  their  journey's  end.  There  might  be 
a  gun-boat  close  by,  hid  behind  one  of  the  numer- 
ous points  that  stretched  out  into  the  river,  or 
there  might  not  be  one  within  a  hundred  miles. 
They  must  not  linger,  however,  for  they  were  not 
free  from  pursuit  until  they  were  safe  on  board 
some  vessel. 

Sorrowfully  they  bent  their  steps  down  the 
river,  listening  for  sounds  of  pursuit,  and  eagerly 
watching  for  signs  of  an  approaching  steamer; 
but  the  day  wore  away,  and  the  fugitives,  who 
began  to  feel  the  effects  of  hunger,  halted,  and 
w?re   debating  upon  the  means    to    be   used   in 


110  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

procuring  food,  when,  to  their  joy,  they  discov- 
ered smoke  around  a  bend,  and,  in  half  an  hour, 
a  transport,  loaded  with  soldiers,  appeared  in 
sight.  They  at  once  commenced  waving  their 
hats,  to  attract  the  attention  of  those  on  board, 
who  evidently  saw  them,  but  being  suspicious  that 
it  was  a  plan  of  the  rebels  to  decoy  them  into 
shore,  turned  off  toward  the  opposite  bank. 

"I  should  think  they  ought  to  see  us,"  said 
Frank,  and  he  commenced  shouting  at  the  top  of 
his  lungs.  A  moment  afterward  a  puff  of  smoke 
arose  from  the  forecastle,  and  a  twelve-pounder 
shot  plowed  through  the  water,  and  lodged  in  the 
bank  at  their  very  feet.  It  was  then  evident  to 
them  that  they  had  been  taken  for  rebels.  After 
watching  the  boat  until  it  disappeared,  they  again 
turned  their  faces  down  the  river.  Night  over- 
taking them  without  bringing  any  relief,  the  fugi- 
tives, hungry  and  foot-sore,  lay  down  in  the  woods 
and  slept. 


A   CLOSE   SHAVE.  HI 


CHAPTER  VII. 

i^^^^HEN  the  morning  came  tliey  bent 
A  "V/S  *^^^^  ^*^P^  down  the  bank,  keep- 
^y^l*&^  ^"°  ^^  ^^®  ^^^®  ^^  *^^  woods  to  pre- 
o!  vent  surprise,  but  not  far  enough 
^  from  the  river  to  allow  any  boat 
that  might  chance  to  pass  to  escape 
their  observation.  They  again  be- 
gan to  feel  the  fierce  pangs  of  hunger,  which 
they  endeavored  to  alleviate  by  chewing  twigs 
and  roots.  But  this  affording  them  no  relief, 
the  mate  finally  proposed  that  they  should  turn 
back  into  the  country  and  ask  for  food  at  the 
first  house  they  could  find.  Recapture  was 
preferable  to  starving  to  death.  Frank  easily 
turned  him  from  his  purpose  by  assuring  him  that 
they  would  certainly  be  picked  up  during  the 
afternoon,  or   on    the    following   morning.      But 


112  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

night  came,  -without  bringing  them  any  relief,  and 
the  tired  and  hungry  fugitives  again  lay  down 
in  the  woods  and  slept. 

About  noon,  on  the  next  day,  they  found 
themselves  on  the  banks  of  a  wide  and  deep 
ravine,  that  ran  across  their  path.  To  climb 
up  and  down  those  steep  banks  was  impossi- 
ble ;  their  wasted  strength  was  not  equal  to  the 
task.  Their  only  course  was  to  follow  the  ravine 
back  into  the  woods  until  they  could  find  some 
means  of  crossing  it.  After  wearily  dragging 
themselves  for  two  hours  over  fallen  logs,  and 
through  thick,  tangled  bushes  and  cane-brakes 
that  lay  in  their  path,  they  emerged  from  the 
woods,  and  found  before  them  a  small  log-hut, 
standing  close  to  a  bridge  that  spanned  the  ra- 
vine. Hastily  drawing  back  into  the  bushes,  they 
closely,  examined  the  premises,  which  seemed  to 
be  deserted,  with  the  exception  of  a  negro,  whom 
they  saw  hitching  a  mule  to  a  tree  at  the  back 
of  the  cabin. 

"  I  do  n't  see  any  white  men  there,  Jack,"  said 
Frank.  "  I  think  we  may  safely  ask  that  negro 
for  something  to  eat.  I  hardly  think  there  is  any 
danger,  for,  if  he   should  attempt   mischief,   we 


A   CLOSE   SHAVE.  113 

could  soon  overpower  him.  Wiat  do  you  say? 
Shall  we  go  up?" 

"Just  as  you  say,  sir,"  answered  the  mate. 
"But  let  us  first  get  something  to  use  as  a  be- 
laying-pin,  in  case  any  body  should  run  foul  of 
our  hawse." 

The  fugitives  procured  two  short  clubs,  and 
moved  out  of  the  woods  toward  the  cabin.  The 
negro  immediately  discovered  them.  At  first, 
he  rolled  up  his  eyes  in  surprise,  and  acted  very 
much  as  if  he  was  about  to  retreat ;  but,  after 
finding  that  the  two  sailors  were  alone,  his  face 
assumed  a  broad  grin,  which  the  fugitives  took  for 
a  smile  of  welcome. 

When  they  had  approached  within  speaking 
distance,  Frank  inquired : 

"  "Well,  uncle,  is  there  any  chance  for  a  hungry 
man  to  get  any  thing  to  eat  in  here  ?  " 

"Plenty  ob  it,  massa,"  answered  the  negro. 
"  Go  right  in  de  nouse." 

The  fugitives,  far  from  suspecting  any  treach- 
ery, were  about  to  comply ;  but  Frank,  who  was 
in  advance,  had  scarcely  put  his  foot  on  the 
threshold,  when  two  rebel  soldiers  sprang  out  of 
the  cabin,  and  one  of  them,  seizing  him  by  the 
8 


114  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

collar,  flourished  a  huge  bowie-knife  above  his 
head  and  demanded  his  surrender.  So  sudden 
was  the  assault  that  Frank,  for  a  moment,  was 
deprived  of  all  power  of  action.  But  not  so  with 
the  mate,  who,  retaining  his  presence  of  mind, 
Bwung  his  club  about  him  with  a  dexterity  truly 
surprising,  and  brought  it  down  with  all  the 
force  of  his  sturdy  arms  upon  the  head  of  the 
rebel,  who,  instantly  releasing  his  hold,  sank  to 
the  ground  with  a  low  groan.  But  before  he 
could  repeat  the  blow,  three  more  soldiers  sprang 
from  the  cabin,  and,  in  spite  of  their  struggles, 
overpowered  them;  not,  however,  until  the  mate 
had  been  stunned  by  a  blow  from  the  butt  of  a 
pistol. 

"  Wal,  I  '11  be  dog-gone ! "  exclaimed  one  of  the 
rebels,  "but  this  is  a  lucky  haul  of  Yankees. 
Tom,  get  some  water  and  throw  it  into  the  cap- 
tain's face,"  pointing  to  then*  prostrate  compan- 
ion, "  an'  fetch  him  to.  The  rest  of  you,  get 
some  ropes  an'  tie  these  fellers'  hands  behind 
them." 

While  the  men  were  executing  these  orders. 
Frank  had  time  to  scan  the  countenances  of  his 
captors.     They  evidently  did  not  belong  to  the 


A   CLOSE   SHAVE.  115 

tVild  jats,  for,  although  that  regiment  was  com- 
posed of  most  ferocious-looking  men,  they  ap- 
peared like  gentlemen  compared  with  those  in 
whose  power  he  now  found  himself.  These  were 
a  dirty,  ragged,  blood-thirsty  looking  set  of  men, 
and,  unless  their  countenances  belied  them,  they 
were  capable  of  any  atrocity. 

Presently,  the  men  who. had  gone  into  the  cabin 
returned  with  some  pieces  of  cord,  with  which 
they  proceeded  to  confine  the  hands  of  their 
prisoners,  who  ofi'ered  no  resistance.  By  the 
time  this  was  accomplished,  the  man  whom  the 
mate  had  handled  so  roughly  had  been  restored 
to  consciousness,  and  supported  himself  against 
the  cabin  to  collect  his  thoughts,  while  the  others 
stood  silently  by,  as  if  awaiting  his  orders. 

"  Get  every  thing  ready,"  he  said,  at  length, 
"  and  let  the  job  be  done  at  once.  It  needs  no 
judge  or  jury  to  decide  the  fate  of  these  men, 
knowing,  as  we  do,  what  has  befallen  those  of  our 
number  who  were  so  unfortunate  as  to  fall  into 
the  hands  of  the  Federals." 

The  rebels,  in  obedience  to  the  order,  brought 
out  of  the  cabin  two  pieces  of  rope,  which  they 
took   to   a  tree  that  stood  close  by,  and,  coiling 


116  FRANK   BEFOLE   VICKSBURG. 

them  up  in  their  hands,  threw-  one  end  over  a 
limb  that  stretched  out  about  six  feet  from  ths 
ground,  and  fastened  them  there. 

"Douse  my  top-lights,"  exclaimed  the  mate,  as 
he  witnessed  these  proceedings,  "but  it  is  all  up 
with  us,  sir.  They  're  going  to  swing  us  to  the 
yard-arm." 

The  horrid  truth  was  too  apparent,  and  Frank 
was  so  completely  unnerved  that  he  was  com- 
pelled to  lean  against  the  cabin  for  support.  He 
was  soon  aroused  by  the  voice  of  the  leader  of 
the  rebels,  who  said : 

"  This  is  to  be  done  in  retaliation  for  an  order 
issued  by  Admiral  Porter,  stating  that  he  would 
hang  all  *  guerrillas,'  as  he  termed  them,  who 
might  be  caught  firing  into  transports  along  the 
river.  You  can  see  the  effect  of  that  order  right 
here.  Out  of  a  company  of  a  hundred  of  us  who 
entered  the  army  at  the  commencement  of  the 
war,  you  see  all  that  are  left.  The  remainder 
have  been  killed  or  captured  by  you  gun-boat 
men.  Those  captured  have  suffered  the  penalty 
of  that  order.  They  were  no  more  guerrillas, 
however,  than  you  are,  but  were  regularly  sworn 
into  the  service,  and  were  detailed  to  harass  the 


A  CLOSE   SHAVE.  117 

enemy  in  erery  possible  manner;  and,  for  obeying 
our  orders,  some  of  us  have  been  strung  up  like 
dogs.  We  shall  continue  to  retaliate  on  you  un- 
til our  government  receives  notice  that  the  order 
has  been  countermanded.  I  will  give  you  an 
hour,  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  you  must 
s-sving." 

*'If  you  must  execute  us,"  said  Frank,  in  a 
husky  voice,  'Svhy  not  let  us  die  like  men,  and 
not  like  criminals  ? " 

*'My  men  would  have  preferred  to  be  shot," 
8aid  the  rebel,  "but  were  not  allowed  the  privi- 
lege of  choosing."  So  saying,  the  captain  turned 
on  his  heel  and  walked  away,  while  Frank  seated 
himself  on  the  threshold  of  the  cabin,  and  re- 
peated his  sentence  with  a  calmness  that  made 
him  think  his  senses  were  leaving  him.  Could 
it  be  possible  that  he  had  heard  aright,  and 
that  he  was  in  reality  a  condemned  man?  When 
he  had  entered  the  service,  the  thought  that 
he  should  be  killed  had  never  once  occurred  to 
him.  He  had  fully  and  confidently  expected  that 
he  would  be  permitted  to  live  to  see  the  end  of 
the  war,  and  to  return  home  to  enjoy  the  society 
of  his  friends  once  more.     Could  it  be  possible, 


118  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

then,  that,  after  indulging  in  such  bright  anticipa- 
tions, he  must  end  his  life  in  that  desolate  place, 
away  from  home  and  friends,  in  so  terrible  a  man- 
ner? He  could  not  convince  himself  that  it  was 
a  reality.  But  there  was  the  tree,  with  the  ropes, 
and  the  fatal  noose  at  the  end,  dangling  from  the 
limb;  and  there  were  those  blood-thirsty  looking 
men  lounging  in  the  shade,  and  only  waiting  until 
the  hour  granted  by  their  leader  should  expire  to 
begin  their  horrid  work.  0,  the  agony  of  that 
moment,  when  he  could  look  forward  and  count 
the  very  seconds  he  had  to  live !  An  hour  !  IIow 
often  and  how  lightly  had  he  spoken  of  it !  For 
an  hour  in  the  life  of  one  moving  about  at  free- 
dom in  the  world,  not  knowing  when  death  will 
come,  and,  as  is  too  often  the  case,  scarcely  giv- 
ing the  matter  a  moment's  thought,  is  a  space  of 
time  of  very  little  importance ;  is  carelessly  spoken 
of,  and,  when  passed,  no  notice  is  taken  of  its 
flight.  But  an  hour  to  a  person  condemned  to 
die,  who  has  heard  his  sentence,  and  who  is  bound, 
and  watched  over  by  armed  men,  that  he  may  not 
escape  from  that  sentence;  who  is  in  the  full  pos- 
session of  all  his  faculties  ;  who  can  look  abroad 
upon  the  beauties   of  nature,  and   feel  the   soft 


A   CLOSE   SHAVE.  119 

breeze  of  heaven  funning  his  cheek,  but  who 
knows  that,  at  the  end  of  that  time,  he  will  be 
deprived  of  all  these  faculties;  that  his  life  will 
be  suddenly  and  terribly  terminated — in  the  case 
of  such  a  person,  who  can  describe  the  thoughts 
'that  "make  up  the  sum  of  his  heart's  fevered 
existence  ?  " 

It  seemed  to  Frank  that  scarcely  five  minutes 
of  the  allotted  time  had  passed,  when  the  leader 
of  the  guerrillas  arose  from  the  ground  where  he 
had  been  sitting.  The  signal  was  understood  by 
his  men,  two  of  whom  approached  the  prisoners, 
and  conducted  them  toward  the  scaffold.  The 
mate  had  been  encouraged  by  the  example  set 
him  by  his  officer,  and  both  walked  with  firm 
steps;  their  faces,  although  pale  as  death  itself, 
being  as  expressionless  as  marble,  and  bearing  not 
the  shghtest  trace  of  the  struggle  that  was  going 
on  within  them.  Without  the  least  hesitation  they 
took  their  stand  on  a  log  under  the  tree,  and  the 
fatal  ropes  were  adjusted.  Their  farewells  had 
been  said,  and  the  leader  of  the  rebels  had  made 
a  signal  for  the  log  to  be  removed  from  under 
their  feet,  when  suddenly  there  was  a  sound  of 
approaching  horsemen,  and  the  next  moment  a 


120  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

party  of  the  Wild-cats  galloped  up,  headed  by 
Colonel  Harrison  and  Lieutenant  Somers.  A  few 
harshly-spoken  orders  rung  in  Frank's  ears ;  he 
saw  the  leader  of  the  guerrillas  fall,  pierced  by  & 
dozen  bullets,  and  then  all  was  blank  to  him. 

Let  us  now  return  to  the  Wild-cats,  whom  Frank 
and  the  mate  had  so  unceremoniously  deserted. 

The  escape  was  not  discovered  until  morning, 
when  the  orderly  sergeant  went  to  the  cabin  to 
call  them.  It  was  scarcely  daylight,  and  quite 
dark  inside  of  the  cabin,  and  as  the  se/geant 
opened  the  door,  he  vociferated: 

"  Come,  Yanks !  get  out  of  this  and  get  your 
grub!" 

The  echo  of  his  own  voice  was  the  only  reply 
he  received.  After  waiting  a  moment,  he  re- 
peated the  summons  in  a  louder  tone,  and  still 
received  no  answer. 

^'  I  '11  be  dog-gone  if  them  ar  Yanks  do  n't  sleep 
at  the  rate  of  more'n  forty  miles  an  hour,"  said 
the  sergeant  to  himself,  as  he  entered  the  cabin 
and  commenced  feeling  around  in  the  dark  to 
find  his  prisoners.  *'Come  now,  Yanks!"  he  ex- 
claimed,   "none    of   your   tricks.      I  know   you 


A   CLOSE   SHAVE.  121 

Leered  mc.  Get  up,  I  say,  and  get  your  grub, 
for  it  is  high  time  we  were  moviu'." 

Still  no  answer.  The  rebel  finally  threw  open 
the  window-shutter,  and  by  the  straggling  rays  of 
light  that  came  in,  he  found,  to  his  utter  amaze- 
ment, that  his  prisoners  were  gone.  AVith  one 
bound  he  reached  the  open  air,  and  without  pay- 
ing any  attention  to  the  inquiries  of  the  guard  as 
to  what  was  the  cause  of  his  strange  behavior,  he 
started  for  the  house,  where  he  hurriedly  asked 
for  the  colonel. 

"What's  the  matter  now,  sergeant?"  inquired 
that  gentleman,  appearing  at  the  door  with  his 
boots  in  his  hand. 

"The  prisoners,  sir,"  began  the  sergeant 

""Well,  what's  the  trouble  with  them?"  asked 
the  colonel,  who  was  very  far  from  guessing  the 
facts  of  the  case.  "  "Won't  the  lazy  Yankees  get 
up  ?  Punch  'em  with  your  bayonet  a  httle  if  they 
get  unruly;  that  will  put  life  into  them,  and  keep 
them  civil  at  the  same  time." 

"  I  could  manage  them  easy  enough,  sir,  if 
they  were  here,"  answered  the  sergeant ;  "  but, 
sir,  they" 

"  If  they  were  here,'^  repeated  the  colonel,  who 


122  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

now  began  to  suspect  the  truth.  "  If  they  were 
here  !     Have  you  allowed  them  to  escape  ?  " 

"No,  sir,  we  didn't  let  them;  they  went  with- 
out asking  us  ! " 

"A  plague  on  you  lazy  scoundrels,"  shouted 
the  colonel,  in  a  rage.  ''  Let  loose  that  blood- 
hound at  once,  and  pursue  them.  No ;  stop ! 
Tell  the  officer  of  the  day  that  I  want  to  see 
him." 

The  sergeant  started  off  to  execute  the  order; 
and  the  colonel,  after  pulhng  on  his  boots,  entered 
the  house,  where  Lieutenant  Somers  and  the 
people  of  the  plantation  were  assembled,  awaiting 
breakfast. 

"  What 's  the  matter,  colonel  ? "  inquired  the 
lieutenant.     "Any  thing  wrong?" 

"  Do  n't  bother  me  with  your  foolish  questions 
now,"  replied  the  colonel  roughly,  pacing  up  and 
down  the  floor  with  angry  strides.  "  It 's  enough 
to  upset  any  one's  patience.  That  little  Yankee 
Las  escaped  again." 

"Escaped!"  repeated  all  in  the  room,  holding 
up  their  hands  in  astonishment. 

"  Yes  ;  escaped — gone — mizzled — cleared  out," 
said  the  colonel,  frantically  flourishing  his  arma 


A   CLOSE   SHAVE.  123 

above  liis  head;  "and  unless  I  catch  him,  which 
I  don't  expect  to  do,  I'm  short  a  captain,  for 
he  was  to  have  been  exchanged  for  one  of  my 
officers." 

At  this  moment  the  officer  of  the  day  entered, 
and  the  colonel,  turning  to  him,  continued: 

"  That  rascally  little  Yankee  has  escaped  again, 
I  thought  I  had  him  safe  this  time,  but  he  has 
succeeded  in  giving  me  the  slip  when  I  least  ex- 
pected it.  That  sailor  that  we  captured  with  him 
has  gone  too.  Send  a  squad  in  pursuit  of  them 
at  once.  Use  the  blood-hound,  but  hold  him  in 
the  leash,  and  do  n't  injure  either  of  the  prisoners 
if  you  can  avoid  it." 

The  officer  bowed,  and  left  the  room ;  and  the 
colonel,  after  giving  orders  that  the  case  should 
be  investigated,  in  order  to  see  who  was  to  blame 
in  allowing  the  prisoners  to  escape,  mounted  his 
horse,  and,  accompanied  by  Lieutenant  Somers, 
set  out  in  pursuit  of  the  squad,  which  had  already 
started  and  was  following  the  trail  of  the  fugi- 
tives, led  by  a  large  blood-hound,  which  was  kept 
in  check  by  a  chain  held  by  one  of  the  men.  In 
a  couple  of  hours  they  arrived  at  the  place  where 
Frank  and  the  mate  had  been  fired  upon  by  the 


124  FRANK   BEFORE   YICKSBURG. 

steamer,  and  liere  the  trail  was  lost.  After  sev- 
eral hours  spent  in  unavailing  search,  the  squad 
separated,  and,  for  two  days,  scoured  the  country 
every-where,  looking  in  vain  for  traces  of  the 
fugitives. 

At  the  end  of  that  time,  the  colonel,  com- 
pletely disheartened,  collected  his  forces,  and  was 
returning  to  the  plantation,  when  they  were  met 
by  a  negro,  in  a  great  state  of  excitement,  who 
anxiously  inquired  for  the  commanding  officer. 

"  Get  away  from  me,  boy,"  shouted  the  colonel, 
impatiently,  "  and  do  n't  bother  me  now." 

"  But,  sar,"  persisted  the  negro,  "  Massa 
Thorne  done  kotched  two  white  gemman,  an'  be 
gwine  to  kill  'em,  shore." 

"Bill  Thorne  in  this  part  of  the  country 
again  ! "  said  the  colonel.  "  He  'd  better  keep 
clear  of  me.  lie  and  his  pack  of  horse-thieves 
are  more  injury  to  us  than  a  Yankee  gun-boat;' 
and  the  colonel,  without  waiting  to  hear  any  more, 
put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and  galloped  off. 

"  These  two  white  men  he  caught,"  said  Lieu 
tenant  Somers,  "  what  were  they  ?     Yankees  ? " 

The  negro  replied  in  the  affirmative,  and  then 
proceeded  to  give  a  full  and  complete  description 


A   CLOSE   SHAVE.  125 

of  the  prisoners,  so  that  the  lieutenant  knew  in 
a  moment  that  they  were  Frank  and  the  mate. 
After  questioning  him  as  to  the  locality  where  the 
execution  was  to  take  place,  he  galloped  down  the 
road,  and  soon  overtook  the  colonel,  to  whom  he 
related  the  circumstance.  The  latter  at  once  or- 
dered part  of  his  men  to  follow  him,  (directing 
the  others  to  keep  on  the  trail,  so  that,  in  case 
the  negro  was  misleading  them,  no  time  would 
be  lost.)  As  we  have  seen,  he  arrived  just  in 
time  to  save  his  prisoners ;  one  moment  more, 
and  he  would  have  been  too  late. 

The  guerrillas  were  so  completely  surprised 
at  the  approach  of  the  cavalry,  and  so  dismayed 
at  the  death  of  their  leader,  that  they  did  not 
think  of  retreat  until  it  was  too  late.  The  Wild- 
cats had  surrounded  them,  and  the  sight  of  half 
a  dozen  revolvers  leveled  at  their  heads  caused 
them  to  throw  down  their  weapons  and  cry  for 
quarter. 


126 


FRANK  BEFORE   YICKSBURQ. 


CHAPTER    YIII, 


lnUn§  Bvhn  il^t  mtpmn. 


,HEN  Frank's  consciousness  returned, 
he  found  himself  lying  on  the  floor 
of  the  cabin,  where  the  fight  had 
taken  place  "which  resulted  in  his 
capture  by  the  guerrillas,  his  head 
supported  by  a  dirty  blanket,  rolled 
up  to  serve  as  a  pillow,  and  the 
mate  sitting  on  a  three-legged  chair  beside  him. 
Through  the  open  door  could  be  seen  a  squad 
of  the  Wild-cats,  lounging  under  the  shade  of  the 
trees. 

Slowly  the  recollection  of  the  scenes  through 
which  he  had  passed,  the  sentence  he  had  heard 
pronounced,  the  preparations  he  had  seen  made 
for  his  execution,  came  to  his  mind,  and  he  in- 
stinctively put  his  hand  to  his  throat,  as  if  expect- 
ing to  find  it  encircled  by  the  fatal  rope. 


TAKING   DOWN   THE   CAPTAIN.  127 

"Are  you  on  an  even  keel  now,  my  hearty?" 
ftsked  the  mate. 

"  Where  are  the  guerrillas,  Jack  ?  "  asked  Frank. 
**Are  we  safe  ?" 

*'  0  yes,  we  're  safe  from  them,  but  we  are  still 
prisoners." 

At  this  moment  a  shaggy  head,  nearly  covered 
up  with  a  slouch  hat,  was  thrust  in  at  the  door, 
and  a  voice  inquired : 

"Are  you  all  right  now,  Yank?  If  you  are, 
come  out  here,  for  we  must  be  off." 

Frank,  although  very  weak,  was  able,  with  the 
assistance  of  the  mate,  to  walk  out  of  the  cabin, 
where  they  found  several  of  the  rebels  mounted, 
and  waiting  for  them.  They  were  each  given  a 
horse,  after  which  the  Wild-cats  closed  about 
their  prisoners,  as  if  to  put  all  further  attempts 
at  escape  out  of  the  question,  and  conducted 
them  down  the  road  at  a  rapid  gallop. 

As  soon  as  Frank's  ideas  had  fairly  returned, 
he  began  to  make  inquiries  in  regard  to  the  sin- 
gular manner  in  which  he  and  the  mate  had  been 
rescued,  and  learned  that  the  men  by  whom  they 
had  been  captured  w^e  guerrillas,  in  spite  of 
what  they  had  said  to  the  contrary;  that  they 


128  FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURa. 

made  "^ar  on  rebel  as  well  as  Union  people,  and 
being  especially  obnoxious  to  Colonel  Harrison — 
from  whom  they  had  stolen  several  horses — they 
had  been  summarily  disposed  of.  At  first  Frank 
could  scarcely  credit  the  statement  that  they  had 
been  rescued  through  the  agency  of  the  very 
negro  to  whom  they  owed  their  capture ;  but, 
after  being  assured  that  such  was  the  case,  it 
occurred  to  them  that  their  approach  had  first 
been  discovered  by  the  rebels  in  the  cabin,  and 
that  the  negro,  to  save  his  own  life,  had  acted 
in  obedience  to  their  orders ;  and  then,  to  make 
amends  for  what  had  at  first  appeared  to  be  an 
act  of  treachery,  he  had  conveyed  the  news  of 
their  capture  to  Colonel  Harrison. 

As  soon  as  they  had  fairly  started,  the  orderly 
sergeant  galloped  up  beside  Frank,  and  inquired : 

"  Yank,  how  did  you  get  out  of  that  cabin  that 
night?  Nobody  don't  seem  to  know  nothing 
about  it." 

"  I  have  already  told  him,  sir,"  said  the  mate, 
^^that  we  walked  by  the  sentinel  when  he  was 
asleep ;  but  he  do  n't  believe  it." 

Frank  then  proceeded  to  give  an  account  of  the 
manner  in  which  their  escape  had  been  effected, 


TAKING  DOWN  THE  CAPTAIN.       129 

and  as  it  corresponded  with  the  mate's  story,  the 
sergeant  was  compelled  to  believe  it. 

"  Purty  well  done,"  said  he.  "  But,  mind  you, 
don't  go  to  tryin'  it  on  agin,  'cause,  if  you  do, 
it's  the  colonel's  orders  that  you  both  go  in  double 
irons." 

Having  delivered  this  piece  of  information,  the 
sergeant  rode  up  to  the  head  of  the  column.  The 
prisoners  did  not  again  attempt  to  escape,  for 
they  knew  that  it  would  be  an  impossibility. 
They  were  closely  watched,  not  a  single  move- 
ment escaping  observation.  Wherever  they  went, 
two  stalwart  rebels  were  at  their  heels;  and  when 
they  slept,  their  guards  stood  over  them  with 
loaded  muskets.  That  same  evening  they  over- 
took the  main  body  of  the  regiment,  and  on  the 
sixth  day  after  their  rescue  from  the  guerrillas, 
they  arrived  opposite  the  village  of  Napoleon, 
where  the  exchange  was  to  take  place.  The  Ti- 
conderoga  was  not  there,  but  two  days  afterward 
she  made  her  appearance;  and,  as  soon  as  she 
had  dropped  her  anchor,  a  boat  was  seen  ap- 
proaching the  shore  with  a  flag  of  truce  flying  in 
the  bow.  The  colonel  waved  his  handkerchief  in 
reply.  As  the  boat  drew  near,  Frank  saw  two 
9 


130  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

men  in  rebel  uniform  seated  in  the  stern-sheets, 
and  he  knew,  from  the  remarks  made  by  the 
Wild-cats,  that  one  of  them  was  the  officer  for 
whom  he  was  to  be  exchanged. 

As  soon  as  the  boat  touched  the  shore,  the 
executive  officer  sprang  out,  followed  by  the  two 
rebels.  After  a  moment's  conversation  with  the 
colonel,  the  former  advanced  toward  Frank  and 
the  mate,  and,  after  greeting  them  cordially,  ex- 
claimed : 

"  Come  aboard  the  ship,  boys ;  you  belong  to 
Uncle  Sam  once  more." 

The  mate  could  scarcely  believe  that  he,  too, 
was  exchanged.  He  had  expected  nothing  less 
than  a  long  confinement  in  Vicksburg,  or  per- 
haps a  march  to  Shreveport;  but,  as  it  hap- 
pened, the  captain  of  the  Ticonderoga  had  found 
a  rebel  soldier  on  board  the  flag-ship,  and  had  ob- 
tained permission  from  the  admiral  to  exchange 
him  for  the  mate. 

"  Yes,  Yanks,"  said  the  colonel,  "  you  are  at 
liberty  to  make  yourselves  scarce  as  soon  as  you 
choose." 

The  prisoners  lingered  only  to  shake  hands 
"with  Lieutenant   Somers,  who  had  treated  them 


TAKING   DOWN   THE   CAPTAIN.  131 

very  kindly,  and  had  often  found  means  to  pro- 
cure them  many  little  privileges  and  comforts, 
and  then  ran  down  the  bank  and  sprang  into  the 
boat,  which  at  once  pushed  from  the  shore  and 
started  toward  the  Ticonderoga.  As  Frank  came 
over  the  side,  the  officers  crowded  around  him, 
asking  innumerable  questions  in  relation  to  the 
treatment  he  had  received  while  in  the  hands  of 
the  rebels ;  but  he  was  scarcely  allowed  time  to 
answer  one-half  of  their  inquu'ies  before  he  was 
summoned  into  the  presence  of  the  captain. 

That  gentleman  greeted  him  in  the  most  cordial 
manner,  requesting  him  to  be  seated  and  relate 
his  adventures.  Frank  gave  a  minute  description 
of  the  manner  in  which  he  had  transacted  the 
business  intrusted  to  him  with  the  flag  of  truce, 
his  recapture  by  the  Wild-cats,  and  the  circum- 
stances that  had  led  to  the  retention  of  the  boat- 
swain's mate ;  recounted  the  plans  he  had  laid  for 
their  escape,  their  reception  by  the  guerrillas, 
and,  finally,  the  rescue  from  a  horrible  death,  to 
all  of  which  the  captain  listened  attentively. 
After  Frank  had  finished,  the  captain  said : 

"It  is,  of  course,  needless  to  say  that  I  am 
overjoyed   to    see   you   safe    on   board   the   ship 


132  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

again,  Mr.  Nelson,  and  that  you  have  returned 
none  the  worse  for  your  sojourn  among  the  rebels, 
I  am  especially  glad,  because  I  wish  to  make  yoa 
an  explanation.  You  have  been  misrepresented 
to  me,  and  I  was  very  hasty  in  reprimanding  you 
as  I  did  on  the  day  that  you  behaved  so  gallantly 
in  the  fight  at  Cypress  Bend.  It  was  on  account 
of  the  report  of  Mr.  Howe,  who  assumed  command 
of  the  expedition  after  the  captain  had  been  killed. 
His  report  showed  that  we  had  been  severely 
whipped ;  and  when  I  learned  what  a  slaughter 
there  had  been  of  the  men  I  placed  under  your 
command,  and  which  I  find,  upon  inquiry,  was 
caused  by  the  ignorance  of  your  superior  officer, 
and  not  by  any  fault  of  your  own — I  say,  when 
I  heard  of  this,  I  was  so  completely  disheartened 
that  I  scarcely  knew  what  I  was  about.  It  was 
the  first  time  that  ever  an  expedition  that  I  had 
planned  failed,  and  also  the  first  time  in  my  life 
that  I  ever  gave  the  order  to  retreat;  and  as  I 
had  every  reason  to  hope  for  success,  you  can 
have  some  idea  of  how  I  felt.  After  you  had 
gone,  many  facts  came  to  light,  of  which  no  men- 
tion was  made  in  Mr.  Howe's  report,  and  with 
which  I  was,  of  course,  unacquainted,  and  I  find 


TAKING  DOWN  THE  CAPTAIN.       133 

that  I  have  done  you  a  great  injustice.  If  ever 
a  man  earned  a  shoulder-strap,  you  did  at  that 
fight.  I  have,  however,  sent  in  your  application 
for  a  court  of  inquiry,  and  have  also  represented 
the  case  to  the  admiral.  As  soon  as  vre  arrive 
at  the  flag-ship,  you  will  report  to  him,  and  he 
"will  investigate  the  case." 

Frank,  as  can  easily  be  imagined,  listened  to 
this  statement  with  a  much  lighter  heart  than 
when  he  had  received  that  unjust  reprimand. 
After  the  captain  had  finished  questioning  him 
in  relation  to  incidents  that  had  transpired  during 
his  captivity,  he  left  the  cabin,  and  went  forward 
into  the  steerage,  where  he  found  his  mess  just 
sitting  down  to  dinner. 

"  Well,  Frank,"  exclaimed  Keys,  as  the  former 
entered  and  took  his  place  at  the  table,  "  was  the 
captain  glad  to  see  you  ?  " 

"  Yes,  he  appeared  to  be,"  rephed  Frank. 

"I  thought  as  much.  He  has  been  as  uneasy 
as  a  fish  out  of  water  ever  since  you  were  cap- 
tured. He  told  the  executive  oflficer  that  if  there 
was  any  thing  he  had  ever  done  that  he  regretted, 
it  was  that  he  had  given  you  that  blowing  up. 
He  said  that  he  had  no  right  to  talk  to  you  as  he 


134  FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURa. 

did,  and  that  he  would  make  amends  for  it  at  the 
very  first  opportunity." 

"Did  he?"  inquired  Mr.  French,  eagerly.  "I 
vras  certain  that  the  navy  regulations  state  dis- 
tinctly that  the  captain  of  a  vessel  has  no  right 
to  reprimand  an  officer,  ar.d  that,  if  he  does  do  it, 
he  can  be  made  to  apologize.  He  once  gave  me 
a  blowing  up,  and  said  that  I  was  of  no  more  ac- 
count on  this  ship  than  an  extra  boiler ;  and,  if 
he  has  apologized  to  Mr.  Nelson,  he  must  do  the 
same  by  me.  I  '11  go  and  see  him  immediately 
after  dinner." 

The  efi'ect  of  this  speech  on  the  older  members 
of  the  mess  can  be  easily  imagined.  They  looked 
at  Mr.  French  for  a  moment,  to  see  if  he  was 
really  in  earnest,  and  then  burst  into  a  fit  of  the 
most  uproarious  laughter.  The  idea  of  forcing 
the  captain  of  a  gun-boat  to  apologize  to  one  of 
his  subordinate  officers  for  administering  a  repri- 
mand that  he  really  deserved,  was  ludicrous  in 
the  extreme.  Mr.  Keys  was  the  only  one  who 
could  keep  a  straight  face.  He,  with  his  ready 
wit,  at  once  saw  that  here  was  a  capital  chance 
to  satisfy  his  love  of  mischief.  He  dropped  his 
knife   and  fork,  looked  first  at  one,  then  at  an- 


TAKING   DOWN   TUE   CAPTAIN.  135 

Other,  and,  ^vhen  the  noise  had  subsided,  said, 
quietly  : 

"  I  do  n't  see  \Nhere  the  Laugh  comes  in.  Per- 
haps some  of  you  gentlemen  think  that  an  ofiicer 
has  no  right  to  demand  an  apology  from  a  supe- 
rior !  Then  I  can  tell  you  that  you  are  very 
much  mistaken,  for  I  have  got  the  whole  thing  in 
black  and  white,  copied  from  the  navy  regula- 
tions ;  and,  if  I  was  in  Mr.  French's  place,  I 
would  make  the  captain  take  back  what  he  said, 
or  I  would  report  him." 

We  must  pause  here,  for  a  moment,  to  say  that 
the  result  of  Mr.  French's  interview  with  the 
captain,  when  the  former  had  complained  that  his 
rank  was  not  respected,  had  become  known.  Mr. 
Keys,  who  had  overheard  every  word  of  it,  and 
who  was  one  of  those  uneasy,  mischief-loving 
fellows  who  always  liked  to  see  some  one  in 
hot  water,  considered  the  joke  as  too  good  to  be 
kept,  and  had  told  it,  confidentially  of  course, 
first  to  this  officer,  then  to  that  one,  until  every 
person  on  board  the  ship  had  become  acquainted 
with  the  particulars ;  and  thus  far  Mr.  French  had 
been  compelled  to  bear  the  jokes  of  his  mess- 
mates without  any  chance  of  obtaining  redress. 


136  fkank:  before  yicksburq. 

However,  he  had  discovered  it  at  last.  The  cap- 
tain had  apologized  to  Frank,  and  he  must  do  the 
same  by  him,  if  he  wished  to  keep  out  of  trou- 
ble. He  was  certain  that  he  should  succeed  this 
time,  for  he  knew  that  Keys  had  been  in  the  serv- 
ice long  enough  to  become  well  acquainted  with  its 
rules  and  regulations,  and  there  was  such  apparent 
truthfulness  and  sincerity  in  what  he  said,  that 
Mr.  French  was  certain  of  bringing  the  captain 
to  terms. 

"Yes,  sir,"  repeated  Keys;  "if  my  superior 
officer  abuses  me,  I  shall  seek  redress.  Because 
a  man  wears  three  or  four  stripes  of  gold  lace 
around  his  arms,  he  has  no  right  to  impose  upon 
me." 

"  I  shall  see  the  captain  about  it  as  soon  as  1 
have  finished  my  dinner,"'  said  Mr.  French,  de- 
cidedly. : 

"You  had  better  let  that  job  out,"  said  the 
caterer,  who,  being  a  very  quiet,  staid  sort  of  a 
person,  did  not  wish  to  see  any  disturbance. 
"You  will  remember  that  you  got  a  blowing  up 
once  for  not  taking  my  advice.  I  have  been  in 
the  navy  longer  than  you,  and  you  had  better 
listen  to  me." 


TAKING  DOWN  THE  CAPTAIN.       137 

"I  kn:w  that  you  have  more  experience  than 
myself,"  answered  French;  "but  that  experience 
does  n't  tell  you  that  a  captain  can  use  me  as 
he  pleases.  I  have  rank  as  well  as  he  has. 
Besides,  you  see,  I  have  the  advantage  this 
time." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  chimed  in  Keys,  winking  at  Frank, 
■who  struggled  hard  to  suppress  a  laugh,  "and, 
if  you  will  only  push  the  matter,  you  will  see 
some  fun  on  this  ship." 

Here  the  subject  was  di'opped.  Immediately 
after  dinner  was  finished,  as  usual,  the  officers 
all  congregated  under  the  awning  on  the  main- 
deck.  Mr.  French  walked  up  and  down  the  deck, 
conversing  earnestly  with  his  two  friends,  who, 
entirely  ignorant  of  what  might  be  the  conse- 
quences of  such  a  step,  were  urging  him  to  seek 
an  interview  with  the  captain,  to  demand  an  apol- 
ogy, which  would  certainly  be  given,  and  would 
show  the  ship's  company  that  they  had  rank,  and 
that  it  must  be  respected. 

Frank  had  for  some  time  missed  Keys,  and 
was  wondering  what  had  become  of  him,  when  he 
discovered  that  individual  on  his  hands  and  knees 
beliind  the  pilot-house,  beckoning  eagerly.    Frank 


138  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

walked  toward  him  carelessly,  so  as  not  to  attract 
the  attention  of  Mr.  French  and  his  friends,  and, 
as  he  came  up,  Keys  said,  in  a  hurried  whisper : 

"  See  here,  Nelson ;  you  know  I  told  French 
that  I  had  the  rules  and  regulations  all  copied 
down  in  my  order-book.  Now,  it  has  just  oc- 
curred to  me  that  he  might  want  to  see  them ;  so 
I  want  to  write  something  to  show  him.  I  can't 
get  to  my  room  without  his  seeing  me,  so  I  wish 
you  would  lend  me  your  key." 

Frank  accordingly  produced  it;  but  his  con- 
science reproved  him  when  he  thought  in  what  an 
unpleasant  position  his  friend  was  endeavoring  to 
place  Mr.  French. 

"Look  here,  Keys,"  said  he,  "I  propose  that 
you  do  n't  carry  this  joke  any  further.  It  will  get 
the  poor  greenhoi-n  in  a  bad  fix." 

"  I  can't  help  it,"  returned  Keys.  "  I  have 
often  volunteered  to  give  him  advice,  and  have 
tried  to  convince  him  that  if  he  ever  wants  to  un- 
derstand his  business  he  must  make  use  of  some- 
body's experience  besides  his  own.  But  he  has 
always  snapped  me  up  very  short.  Now,  if  he 
wants  to  learn  by  experience,  I  '11  help  him  all  I 


TAKING   DOWN    THE   CAPTAIN.  139 

So  saying,  Keys  crawled  off  on  his  hands  and 
knees  toward  Frank's  room,  where  he  locked  him- 
self in,  and  the  latter  returned  to  the  main-deck. 
About  an  hour  afterward  Keys  made  his  appear- 
ance, walking  rapidly  across  the  deck,  as  if 
searching  for  something  that  he  was  in  a  great 
hurry  to  find,  and  thus  attracted  the  attention  of 
Mr.  French  and  his  two  friends,  who  took  him 
familiarly  by  the  arm  and  led  him  forward,  out  of 
ear-shot  of  the  other  officers,  who  were  still  seated 
on  the  main-deck. 

"  See  here.  Keys,"  said  French,  "  I  understood 
you  to  say  that  you  had  the  regulations  in  re- 
lation to  the  treatment  of  subordinate  officers, 
copied  in  your  order-book.  "VYill  you  allow  me 
to  look  at  them?" 

"Ah,  yes,"  said  Keys,  "I  remember.  Here's 
something  that  relates  to  it;"  and  he  produced 
his  memorandum-book,^  and  pointed  to  an  article 
hastily  written  in  lead  pencil,  which  ran  as  fol- 
lows : 

^^And  be  it  further  enacted:  That,  as  in  the  maintenance 
of  his  authority  over  his  ofl&cers  on  shipboard,  it  is  ren- 
dered necessary  that  the  commanding  officer  should,  in  all 
cases,  treat  his  subordinates  as  gentlemen,  all  harsh  words 
from  a  commanding  officer  to  an  officer  of  lower  grade  are 


140  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

hereby  strictly  probibited ;  and  in  all  cases  wbere  the  com- 
mander is  guilty  of  a  violation  of  tbis  act,  the  person 
aggrieved  shall  be,  and  is  hereby,  authorized  to  seek  re- 
dress." 


"There,  gentlemen,"  exclaimed  Mr.  French, 
after  he  had  carefully  read  the  article,  "  is  an 
act  of  the  American  Congress,  which  authorizes 
me  to  seek  redress.  All  harsh  "words  in  the  navy 
are  strictly  forbidden;  and  if  the  captain  does 
not  apologize  for  ^rhat  he  said  to  me,  I  '11  re- 
port him." 

"You  will  please  excuse  me,  gentlemen,  for  the 
present,"  said  Keys,  who  was  finding  it  exceed- 
ingly difficult  to  control  himself.  "  The  turret 
must  be  got  ready  for  inspection  at  sundown;" 
and,  thrusting  the  book  in  his  pocket,  he  walked 
rapidly  below. 

Mr.  French  immediately  moved  aft,  and,  draw- 
ing himself  up  very  stiffly,  said  to  the  orderly : 

"  Tell  the  captain  that  I  have  business  with 
him." 

The  marine  disappeared,  and  soon  returned 
with  a  request  that  he  would  walk  into  the  cabin. 
The  captain  was  seated  at  his  table,  writing ;  but, 
as  the  mate  entered,  he  di'opped  his  pen,  tui^ned 


TAKING   DOWN  THE   CAPTAIN.  141 

in  his  chair,  and  waited  for  him  to  make  known 
his  wants 

"  Captain,"  began  Mr.  French,  hesitatingly, 
for  .he  scarcely  knew  how  to  commence  the  con- 
versation, "  I —  I —  I —  have  been  reading  the 
navy  reguhitions,  anl  I  find  that  I  have  been 
abused." 

"Who  has  abused  you,  sir?" 

"Well,  you  see,  sir,"  began  the  mate 

"  I  asked  you  who  had  been  abusing  you,  sir," 
interrupted  the  captain.  "Answer  my  question, 
and  make  your  explanations  afterward." 

"Well,  sir,  to  come  to  the  point,  you  have 
abused  me,  sir." 

The  captain  started  back  in  surprise,  and 
looked  at  the  mate  for  several  moments,  as  if  to 
make  sure  that  he  was  in  his  right  mind,  and 
then  quietly  asked : 

"How  have  I  abused  you,  sir?" 

"In  reprimanding  me,  su\  The  navy  regula- 
tions distinctly  state  that  a  commanding  officer 
has  no  right  to  use  harsh  words  to  his  subordi- 
nates ;  and  I  demand  an  apology." 

"Can  you  furnish  me  with  a  copy  of  those 
regulations  ? " 


142  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBTJR(>. 

"Yes,  sir;  Mr.  Keys  lias  them,"  replied  tlic 
mate;  and  he  left  the  cabin,  and  commenced 
searching  for  that  individual. 

We  should  remark  that  Mr.  Keys  was  pretty 
well  aware  that  he  would  be  likely  to  get  him- 
self into  hot  water.  AYishing  to  delay  the  inter- 
view between  himself  and  the  captain  as  long  as 
possible,  he  had  retreated  to  the  hold,  where  he 
appeared  to  be  very  busily  engaged ;  but,  as  soon 
as  Mr.  French  made  known  his  errand,  he  readily 
produced  his  book,  glad  indeed  that  he  was  to 
be  let  off  without  seeing  the  captain.  The  mate 
carried  it  into  the  cabin.  The  captain  read  over 
the  article  several  times,  and  then  arose  from 
his  seat,  and,  going  to  one  of  the  after-ports, 
appeared  to  be  busily  engaged  with  his  own 
thoughts.  Mr.  French  stood  watching  him  with 
a  smile  of  triumph,  certain  that  the  captain  had 
been  worsted,  and  that  he  would  soon  receive  the 
required  apology;  but,  had  he  been  a  keen  ob- 
server, he  would  have  seen  that  the  captain  was 
convulsed  with  laughter,  which  he  was  vainly  en- 
deavoring to  conceal.  He  easily  saw  through  the 
trick,  and  it  reminded  him  of  the  days  when  he 


TAKINQ   DOWN   THE   CAPTAIN  IH 

was   a   midsliipman,  and  had  been  implicated  in 
similar  jokes 

"Mr.  French,"  said  he,  at  length,  "you  may 
retire  for  a  few  moments.  I  will  send  for  you 
presently.  Orderly,  tell  Mr.  Keys  that  I  wish  to 
see  him.' 


HI 


FRANK -BEPORB    VXr«:.«5BFHa 


CHAPTER    IX. 

»E,.  KEYS,  who  began  to  be  really 
afraid  that  the  plan  he  had  adopted 
for   assisting    his  green   messmate 
to  "learn  by  experience"  was  about 
to  rebound  with  redoubled  force  on 
his  own  head,  was  found  by  the  or- 
derly  in   earnest   conversation  with 
Frank,  to  whom  he  always  went  for  advice. 

"It's  getting  hot,  Nelson,"  said  he.  "What 
shall  I  do?  I'm  in  for  my  share  of  the  rations 
this  time,  sure." 

"Make  a  clean  breast  of  it,"  replied  Frank. 
"  You  will  only  get  yourself  in  trouble  if  you  do 
not,  for  the  captain  knows  exactly  how  the  matter 
stands." 

The  mate  had  already  determined  to  make  a 
full  confession;  but,  nevertheless,  his  feelings,  as 


A    PRACTICAL   JOKE,  145 

he  entered  the  cabin,  were  not  of  the  most  pleas- 
ant nature.  His  reception,  however,  was  far  dif- 
ferent from  what  he  had  expected.  The  captain, 
as  we  have  seen,  was  one  of  the  most  reasonable 
men  in  the  world,  if  approached  in  the  proper 
manner,  and  if  he  saw  that  an  officer  endeavored 
to  do  his  duty,  he  was  very  patient  with  him; 
if  he  found  that  a  reprimand  was  necessary,  it 
was  administered  in  the  most  friendly  manner; 
but  if  he  once  took  it  into  his  head  that  an  of- 
ficer had  willfully,  or  through  negligence,  omitted 
a  portion  of  his  duty,  then,  as  the  ship's  company 
used  to  remark,  it  was  "  stand  from  under."  Mr. 
Keys  was  a  great  favorite  with  the  captain,  as  he 
was  with  all  his  brother  officers,  who  admired  his 
dashing  style  and  his  good-natured  disposition. 
He  was  never  idle,  but  was  always  hurrying  about 
the  ship,  as  if  the  well-being  of  every  person  on 
board  depended  upon  himself,  and,  as  a  conse- 
quence, his  duty  was  always  done,  and  the  deck  of 
which  he  had  charge  was  kept  in  the  nicest  order. 
As  he  entered  the  cabin  the  captain  greeted 
him  with  a  smile.  Pointing  to  a  chair,  he  in- 
quired, as  ho  commenced  turning  over  the  leaves 
of  the  memorandum-book : 
10 


146  FRANK   BEFORE   YICKSBURG. 

"Mr.  Keys,  is  this  some  of  jour  work?" 

"Yes,  sir,"  answered  the  mate. 

"AYell,  what  in  the  world  possessed  you  tc 
hoodwink  Mr.  French  in  this  manner?" 

"Because,  sir,  he  has  often  informed  me,  when 
I  have  undertaken  to  instruct  him,  that  he  wishes 
to  learn  every  tiling  by  experience,  sir.  I  have 
been  assisting  him." 

"  Do  you  think  he  has  improved  any  with  your 
help?' 

"  Yes,  sir ;  he  has  learned  that  his  authority  in 
the  mess-room  is  not  equal  to  that  of  the  caterer." 

"  Well,  I  thought  you  had  a  hand  in  that  affair," 
said  the  captain,  "and  now  I  wish  to  give  you  a 
piece  of  advice.  I,  myself,  have  often  been  in 
such  scrapes  as  this,  and  have  been  brought  up 
with  a  round  turn.  This  reminds  me  of  a  little 
incident  that  happened  while  I  was  a  midshipman 
on  the  Colorado.  The  story  has  grown  old  by 
this  time,  but  it  will  he  considered  a  good  one  as 
long  as  the  navy  shall  exist.  There  were  eight  of 
us  in  the  mess,  and  while  we  were  lying  at  the 
navy-yard  we  had  notliing  to  do  but  to  play  tricks 
upon  each  other,  and  upon  every  one  who  came  in 
our  way.     Our  ship  was  commanded  by  a  commo- 


A  PRACTICAL   JOKE.  147 

dore  who  never  bothered  his  head  about  us  so  long 
as  we  remained  within  bounds.  As  is  always  the 
case,  we  abused  our  privileges,  grow's  bolder  by- 
degrees,  until  finally  the  commodore  taught  us  a 
lesson  that  we  never  forgot. 

"One  pleasant  afternoon,  as  we  were  lounging 
about  the  decks,  waiting  for  something  to  turn 
up,  we  saw  a  green-looking  specimen  of  humanity 
come  over  the  side,  and,  in  an  instant,  were  on 
the  alert.  He,  probably,  had  never  been  on  board 
of  a  man-o*-war  before,  for  he  stared  with  open 
mouth  at  every  thing  he  saw.  Here  was  a  chance 
for  us,  and  as  soon  as  the  officer  of  the  deck  had 
walked  aft,  out  of  sight,  we  collared  the  country- 
man, and  led  him  back  to  our  mess-room. 

"  *  By  gum,  but  you  have  got  every  thing  nice 
here,'  said  he.  'I'd  like  this  better  than  workin' 
on  a  farm.' 

"'Ah,  you  ought  to  go  up  in  the  commodore's 
cabin  if  you  want  to  see  something  nice,'  said  a 
midshipman,  who  was  our  leader  in  all  sorts  of 
mischief.  '  But,  look  here,  my  friend,  if  you  wish 
to  remain  with  us,  you  must  have  on  a  uniform. 
No  civilians  are  allowed  to  stay  here.' 

"We  all  took  this  as  a  hint,  and  commenced 


148  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

rigging  the  Yankee  out  in  our  clothes.  One  fur- 
nished him  with  a  coat,  another  a  pair  of  pants, 
another  a  cap,  and  I  gave  him  a  sword  that  had 
just  been  presented  to  me. 

"^Now,'  said  our  leader,  Mo  jou  want  a  good 
dinner — one  of  the  very  best?' 

"  *  Sartin,'  replied  the  countryman.     *  Got  any  ? ' 

"^No;  but  the  commodore  has,  and  it  is  just 
about  his  dinner  time.' 

•  "  ^Ye  then  explained  to  him  that  he  must  go  up 
to  the  cabin  and  tell  the  commodore  that  he  had 
just  been  ordered  to  the  ship;  and,  in  accordance 
with  his  usual  custom,  the  old  gentleman  would  be 
certain  to  invite  him  to  dinner. 

"'He  is  very  cross  sometimes,'  said  we,  'but 
do  n't  be  at  all  afraid  of  him — he  does  n't  mean 
any  thing.  Talk  to  him  as  though  he  was  your 
father.' 

"'By  gum,  I  kin  do  that,'  said  the  Yankee, 
and  off  he  walked,  while  we  took  up  a  position 
where  we  could  hear  and  see  all  that  passed. 

"  The  commodore  was  seated  at  his  desk, 
writmg,  and  the  countryman  at  once  walked  up 
to  him,  slapped  him  familiarly  on  the  shoulder, 
und  shouted: 


A   PRACTICAL   JOKE.  149 

"* Hullo,  ole  boss!  how  de  do?  Shake  Lands 
with  a  feller,  "won't  ye  ? ' 

''The  commodore  looked  up  in  surprise,  and 
ejaculated : 

"  'Eh !  What  do  you  want  here  ?  Get  out  of 
this.     Away  you  go.' 

"'0  no,  ole  hoss,  not  by  a  long  shot,'  replied 
the  Yankee,  coolly  seating  himself  in  the  nearest 
chair.  'Them  ar  young  fellers  down  stairs  told 
me  to  come  up  here  and  git  some  dinner ;  and,  by 
gravy,  I  ain't  goin'  till  I  git  it ;  so  fetch  it  on.' 

"  Of  course,  it  was  as  plain  as  daylight  to  the 
commodore  that  we  were  at  the  bottom  of  the 
whole  affair,  for  the  countryman  never  would 
have  had  the  audacity  to  act  in  such  a  manner, 
unless  some  one  had  put  him  up  to  it,  and  he  de- 
termined to  punish  us  in  a  manner  that  we  had 
not  thought  of.' 

"'Look  here,  my  man,'  said  he,  'do  you  see 
that  soldier  out  there  ? '  pointing  to  a  marine  that 
was  pacing  back  and  forth  before  the  gangway. 
*Well,  he  has  got  a  loaded  musket,  and  unless 
you  get  off  this  ship  instantly,  he  will  shoot  you. 
Xow,  away  you  go,  you  land-lubber,  and  don't 
Btop  to  talk  to  any  body.' 


150  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ, 

"We  saw  our  victim  moving  off,  and  were  con- 
vulsed with  laughter  at  what  we  considered  to  be 
the  best  joke  we  had  ever  perpetrated.  We  sup- 
posed, of  course,  that  he  would  return  with  our 
clothes,  but  you  can  imagine  our  astonishment 
when  we  saw  him  walk  down  the  gang-plank  and 
out  on  to  the  wharf.  We  held  a  hurried  consulta- 
tion, and  then  I  started  for  the  cabin,  and,  mak- 
ing mj  best  bow,  asked  permission  to  step  ashore 
for  a  moment. 

"^No,  sir,'  replied  the  commodore;  ^no  shore 
liberty  is  to  be  granted  to-day.' 

"  In  short,  we  all  lost  our  clothing — every  thing 
that  we  had  loaned  the  countryman — and  a  more 
crest-fallen  set  of  midshipmen  one  never  saw. 
We  endeavored  to  keep  the  affair  a  secret,  but 
the  commodore  told  it  to  the  first  lieutenant,  and 
from  him  it  soon  spread,  until  the  entire  ship's 
company  were  acquainted  with  the  particulars. 
We  were  very  careful  after  that,  and  never  under- 
took to  play  any  more  jokes  on  the  commodore. 
Tkere  are  many  things  objectionable  in  this  cus- 
tom— tor  I  can  call  it  nothing  else — which  is  so 
general  among  young  officers,  of  playing  off  tricks 
upon  each  other;  and  your  jokes  are  getting  a 


A   PRACTICAL  JOKE.  151 

little  too  practical.  If  you  must  indulge  in  them, 
I  wish  you  would  endeavor  to  keep  them  out  of 
the  cabin,  for  I  don't  like  to  be  bothered.  That 
will  do,  sir." 

Mr.  Keys  retired,  highly  pleased  with  the  re- 
sult of  his  interview  with  the  captain,  and  went 
straight  to  Frank,  to  whom  he  related  every  thing, 
and  showed  him  the  sham  "  regulation "  in  his 
memorandum-book,  which  had  been  the  cause  of 
so  much  merriment. 

Mr.  French  was  soon  afterward  seen  to  emerire 
from  the  cabin,  where  he  had  Hstened  to  a  lengthy 
lecture,  containing  advice  which,  if  followed,  would 
in  future  prevent  all  difficulty.  Of  course,  all  the 
officers  were  soon  made  acquainted  with  the  affair, 
and  many  were  the  inquiries,  in  Mr.  French's 
hearing,  as  to  what  kind  of  an  apology  the  cap- 
tain had  made.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  he  was 
fully  convinced  that  "  experience  is  a  hard  task- 
master," and  that  it  is  well  enough,  especially  on 
shipboard,  to  take  advice. 

A  few  days  after  the  events  which  we  have 
just  been  relating  transpired,  the  Ticonderoga 
arrived  at  Yazoo  River.  In  obedience  to  his 
orders,   Frank   reported  on  board   the  flag-ship. 


152  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBDRa. 

Owing  to  a  press  of  business,  it  was  nearly  a 
week  before  the  court  of  inquiry  was  convened. 
Scarcely  an  hour  was  passed  in  the  examination 
of  the  witnesses,  during  which  time  the  main 
facts  of  the  case  were  developed,  Frank  com- 
pletely vindicated,  and  Mr.  Howe,  who  had  re- 
ported him,  was  sent  on  board  of  ship  in  disgrace. 
The  same  evening  the  former  received  his  promo- 
tion as  acting  ensign,  accompanied  by  orders  to 
report  on  board  of  the  Trenton  for  duty. 

"I  am  very  glad,  for  your  sake,  Mr.  Nelson," 
said  the  captain,  "to  be  able  to  give  you  this 
promotion,  but  very  sorry  for  my  own.  I  regret 
exceedingly  that  you  are  detached  from  this  vessel, 
but  it  is  something  over  which  I  have  no  control. 
I  am  perfectly  satisfied  with  your  conduct  since 
you  have  been  with  me.  If  you  will  attend  to 
your  duties  in  future  as  well  as  you  have  since 
you  have  been  here,  I  will  answer  for  your  rapid 
advancement.'* 


NEW  MESSMATES.  353 


CHAPTER   X. 


HE  next  morning,  immediately  after 
l^J  quarters,  the  second  cutter  was 
0d^  called  awaj;  and  Frank,  after  see- 
ing his  luggage  safely  stowed  away  in 
her,  shook  hands  with  his  brother  offi- 
cers, who  had  gathered  on  the  quarter- 
deck to  see  him  off,  and  started  toward 
his  new  vessel.  i 

The  cutter  had  made,  perhaps,  a  dozen  yards 
from  the  Ticonderoga,  when  Frank  observed  a 
commotion  among  the  crew  assembled  on  the 
main-deck,  and  the  old  mate,  mounting  one  of  the 
boat-davits,  shouted  : 

"  Three  cheers  for  Mr.  Nelson  ! " 
The  cheers  were  given  with  a  will,  and  Frank 
answered  them  by  taking  off  his  cap.     It  was  one 
of  the  happiest  moments  of  his  life.     lie  knew 


154  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

that  Avliile  attached  to  the  Ticonderoga  he  had  en- 
deavored to  do  his  whole  duty.  The  shoulder- 
straps  which  he  wore  showed  that  his  services  had 
been  appreciated  by  the  captain,  and  the  hearty 
expression  of  good  feeling  which  had  just  been 
exhibited  by  the  men,  afforded  abundant  proof 
that  he  had  left  no  enemies  among  them. 

When  he  arrived  alongside  of  the  Rover,  he 
found  the  officer  of  the  deck,  boatswain's  mate, 
and  side-boys  standing  on  the  after-guard,  and 
Frank  was  "piped  over  the  side"  with  all  the 
ceremony  due  his  rank.  It  made  him  feel  a  Httle 
embarrassed  at  first,  for  never  before  had  so  much 
respect  been  shown  him.  But  he  knew  that  he 
had  won  the  uniform  he  wore  by  hard  knocks, 
aud  was  more  entitled  to  this  honor  than  those 
who  sported  ensign's  shoulder-straps  which  had 
been  obtained,  not  by  any  skill  or  bravery  of  their 
own,  but  by  the  influence  of  friends  at  home. 

Frank  made  known  his  business,  and  was  im- 
mediately shown  down  into  the  cabin.  The  cap- 
tain, who  had  often  met  him  on  board  of  the 
Ticonderoga,  and  who  had  heard  of  his  exploits, 
greeted  him  cordially,  and  was  glad  to  learn  that 
he  had  received  such  an  acquisition  to  his  crew. 


NEW   MESSMATES.  155 

When  he  had  indorsed  Frank's  orders,  he  sent  for 
the  chief  engineer,  to  ^vhom  he  introduced  him, 
with  a  request  that  he  might  be  made  acquainted 
with  the  other  officers  of  his  mess ;  after  which 
Frank  was  shown  to  his  room,  whither  his  lug- 
gage was  soon  conveyed. 

Just  before  supper  he  was  introduced  to  the 
officers  belonging  to  the  ward-room  mess ;  but 
when  he  had  seated  himself  at  the  table,  and  list- 
ened a  few  moments  to  the  conversation  that  fol- 
lowed, he  found  that  some  of  his  new  messmates 
went  by  names  very  different  from  those  by  which 
they  had  been  introduced.  One  of  the  ensigns, 
whose  name  was  Andrews,  was  known  as  Count 
Timbertoes,  from  the  very  dignified  manner  in 
which  he  always  conducted  himself,  and  from  his 
wooden-leg  style  of  progression. 

The  executive  officer,  whose  name  was  Short, 
answered  to  its  opposite — Long ;  and  sometimes, 
behind  his  back,  he  was  called  "  Windy."  Frank 
was  not  long  in  discovering  why  it  was  that  such 
a  name  had  been  given  him,  for  he  was  certainly 
the  most  talkative  man  he  had  ever  met;  and 
when  asked  the  most  simple  question,  instead  of 
answering  it  by  a  plain  Yes  or  No,  ho  would  "beat 


156  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

about  the  bush,"  and  deliver  a  regular  oration  on 
the  subject.  He  had  a  great  command  of  lan- 
guage, and  seemed  desii'ous  of  making  every  one 
whom  he  met  acquainted  with  the  fact. 

The  paymaster  went  by  the  name  of  Young 
Methuselah.  He  was  a  man  about  twenty-seven 
years  of  age,  but  the  account  kept  by  one  of  the 
engineers,  who  messed  in  the  steerage,  made  him 
about  two  hundi-ed  and  eighty  years  old.  There 
was  scarcely  a  trade  or  profession  in  the  world 
that,  according  to  his  own  account,  he  had  not  fol- 
lowed for  five  or  ten  years.  He  had  been  a  shoe- 
maker, a  painter,  a  grocer,  a  horse-jockey,  and  an 
editor;  had  practiced  medicine,  traveled  in  Eu- 
rope, and,  when  a  mere  boy,  had  been  master  of 
as  fine  a  vessel  as  ever  sailed  out  of  Boston.  He 
was  a  "  self-made  man,"  he  said,  and  early  in  life 
had  started  out  with  the  intention  of  seeing  the 
world.  This  was  the  reason  he  gave  for  following 
so  many  difi"erent  occupations. 

Unlike  the  rest  of  the  officers,  he  disliked  very 
much  the  name  they  had  given  him,  and  had  often 
complained  to  the  caterer  of  the  mess,  and  finally 
to  the  captain.  The  former  took  no  measures  to 
correct  it,  and   the   latter  "  did  n't  want  to  b« 


NEW  MESSMATES.  157 

troubled  with  mess  affairs,"  and  so  the  paymaster 
was  compelled  to  bear  his  troubles,  which  he  did 
with  a  very  bad  grace,  that  only  made  matters 
tenfold  worse.  It  was  a  noticeable  fact,  however, 
that,  whenever  any  of  the  officers  were  in  need  of 
money,  he  was  always  addressed  as  3Ir.  Harris, 
but  as  soon  as  the  money  had  been  obtained,  or 
the  safe  was  empty,  he  was  plain  Methuselah 
again. 

The  chief-engineer's  name  was  Cobbs,  but  he 
went  by  the  name  of  Gentleman  Cobbs,  from  the 
fact  that  he  was  always  dressed  in  the  bight  of 
fashion,  sported  his  gold-headed  cane  and  patent- 
leather  boots  about  decks,  and  had  never  been 
known  to  "do  a  stitch  of  work"  smce  he  had  been 
on  board  the  vessel. 

These  names  were,  of  course,  applied  only  in 
the  mess-room,  for  the  captain  was  a  regujar 
naval  officer,  a  very  strict  disciplinarian,  and  any 
such  familiarity  on  deck  would  have  brought  cer- 
tain and  speedy  punishment  on  the  offender.  On 
the  whole,  Frank  was  very  well  pleased  with  his 
new  messmates;  they  seemed  to  be  a  set  of  gen- 
erous, good-natured  men,  and,  aside  from  the 
grumbling  of  the  paymaster,  which  was  kept  up 


158  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

without  intermission  from  morning  until  night,  but 
which  received  no  attention  from  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  mess,  every  tiling  passed  off  smoothly. 
The  ward-room  was  kept  scrupulously  clean  and 
neat,  and  the  manner  in  which  all  the  delicacies 
of  the  season  were  served  up  bore  testimony  to 
the  fact  that,  although  Gentleman  Cobbs  was  very 
much  averse  to  work,  he  well  understood  the 
business  of  catering,  and  was  fond  of  good  living. 

After  dinner,  the  officers  belonging  to  both  the 
steerage  and  ward-room  messes  congregated  on 
the  main-deck,  under  the  awning,  to  smoke.  Dur- 
ing the  conversation  the  carpenter,  who  went  by 
the  name  of  "  Chips,"  remarked,  as  he  wiped  the 
big  di'ops  of  perspiration  from  his  forehead : 

"This  boat  is  intolerable.  I  would  like  to  be 
where  I  was  six  years  ago  this  summer." 

"Where  was  that?" 

"  I  was  in  a  whale-ship,  off  the  coast  of  Green- 
land. I  was  tired  enough  of  it  then,  but  now 
I  'd  like  to  have  just  one  breath  of  air  off  those 
icebergs." 

"  So  would  I,"  said  the  paymaster.  "  It  would 
be  so  refreshing." 

At  this,  a  little,  dumpy  man,  who  had  sat  lolling 


NEW  MESSMATES.  159 

!>«ck  in  his  chair,  with  his  hat  pushed  down  over 
his  eyes,  and  his  cigar,  which  he  had  allowed  to  go 
out,  pointing  upward  toward  his  left  cheek,  started 
up,  and  carelessly  inquired: 

"  Were  you  ever  there,  sir  ? " 

"Yes,  when  I  was  a  youngster.  I  went  up 
there  just  to  see  the  country.  I  spent  five  years 
on  the  voyage." 

The  dumpy  man  made  no  answer,  but  there  was 
a  roguish  twinkle  in  his  eye,  as  he  drew  a  little 
memorandum -book  from  his  pocket,  and,  after  de- 
liberately placing  it  on  his  knee,  proceeded  to 
make  the  following  entry,  on  a  page  which  was 
headed  "Chronological  Tables,"  and  which  was 
covered  on  one  side  with  writing,  and  on  the  other 
by  a  long  column  of  figures : 

Paymaster  spent  on  voyage  to  Greenland 5  years. 

After  adding  up  the  column  of  figures,  he  closed 
the  book  and  returned  it  to  his  pocket.  Then, 
turning  to  the  paymaster,  he  quietly  remarked: 

"  Four  hundred  and  eighty -five  years  old ! 
That 's  doing  well — extremely  well.  You  do  n't 
look  as  old  as  that,  sir.  You  wonH  find  one  man 
in  five  hundred  hold  his  age  as  well  as  you  do." 


160  FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURG. 

The  effect  of  this  speech  on  the  officers  sitting 
around  was  ludicrous  in  the  extreme,  and  had  the 
party  been  in  the  mess-room  the  dumpy  man 
might  possibly  have  been  obliged  to  "  run  a  race" 
with  a  boot-jack,  or  any  other  missile  that  came 
handy  to  the  paymaster;  but  as  it  was,  the  latter 
was  compelled  to  choke  down  his  wrath,  and  leave 
the  deck. 

Frank  also  found  that  these  strange  cognomens 
were  common  in  the  steerage ;  one,  in  particular, 
he  noticed.  It  was  a  master's  mate,  who  went  by 
the  name  of  "Nuisance."  He  was  as  "green" 
as  he  could  possibly  be,  and,  although  he  seemed 
to  try  hard  to  learn  his  duty,  was  continually 
getting  himself  into  trouble.  He  had  a  room  off 
the  quarter-deck,  (the  same  that  Frank  was  to 
occupy,)  but  seemed  to  prefer  any  other  room 
than  his  own ;  for,  when  off'  watch,  he  would  take 
possession  of  the  first  bunk  that  suited  his  fancy; 
and,  not  unfrequently,  boots,  neck-ties,  collars, 
etc.,  which  had  been  missed,  were  found  upon  his 
person.  It  was  not  his  intention  to  steal  them, 
for  the  articles  were  always  returned  after  he  had 
worn  them  to  his  satisfaction.  If  an  officer  went 
into  his  room  to  write,  or  to  engage  in  any  other 


NEW   MESSMATES.  JQl 

business  at  which  he  did  not  wish  to  be  disturbed 
the  mate  was  sure  to  bo  on  hand,  and  hints  wore 
of  no  avail;  nothing  but  a  direct   "Clear  out-I 
don't  want  you  in  here,"  would  have  the  desired 
effect.     It  was  this  habit  that  had  given  him  the 
name  he  bore.     One  would  suppose  that  after  re- 
ceiving so  many  rebuffs  he  would  cease  to  trouble 
his  brother  officers ;  but  he  seemed  to  be  very  dull 
of  comprehension.     The  executive  officer  scolded 
h.m  continually.     Finding  that  it   did   no  good 
the  officers  were  obliged,  as  a  last  resort,  to  keep 
their  rooms  locked.     Had   the   mate   been  of  a 
surly,  unaccommodating  disposition,  he  would  not 
have  got  off  so  easily;  but  no  one  could  have  the 
heart   to  report  him,  for   every   one  liked  him 
He  was  always  cheerful,  ready  to  do  any  one  a 
favor,   and  was  generous  to  a  fault.      Frank  at 
once  took   a  liking   to  his  new  room-mate,  but 
having  been   duly  instructed  by  the  others,   he 
took  particular  pains  to  keep  all  his  wearing  ap-  ' 
parel,  when  not  in  use,  safely  locked  in  his  trunk 


162  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURO. 


CHAPTER    XI. 

^RANK'S  past  history   isoon    bo- 
came    known  to   every   one   on 
board  the  Trenton,  for  several  of  the 
crew  had   acquaintances   on  board   of 
^^:M^'f   ^^^  Ticonderoga,  and  when  they  were 
W"'^*^    allowed  liberty,  had  taken  pains  to  in- 
quire into  the  character  of  their   new 
oflBcer.     He  was  scarcely  allowed  time  to  become 
settled  down  in  his  new  quarters,  before  he  was 
given  an   opportunity  to   establish  his  reputation 
amons:  his  messmates.     Information  was  received 
that  the  rebels  were  intending  to   cross  a  large 
body   of  cavalry  about   twenty   miles   above    the 
Yazoo   River,  and  the    Trenton   was    ordered   up 
the  Mississippi  to  prevent  it,  if  possible. 

For  several  days  they  patroled  the  river  near 
the    suspected    point,    but   nothing    unusual   was 


4  GOOD  night's  work.  1C3 

seen;   neither  could  any  intelligence  of  the  con- 
templated move  bo  obtained  from  the  people  on 
shore.     There  were  several  houses  on  the  beat 
and  in  one  of  them  lived  a  Frenchman,  who,  as  he' 
said,  having  claimed  the  protection  of  his  own 
country,  was  not  compelled  to  bear  arms;  neither 
was  he  at  all  interested  in  the  war.     It  was  near 
his  house,  however,  that  the  crossing  of  the  cav- 
alry was  to   take  place,  and  the  captain  of  the 
Trenton   thought    that    this   neutral   Frenchman 
would  bear  watchinc. 

Although  there  were  several  white  women  on 
the  premises,  he  was  the  only  man  who  had  been 
seen;  and  he  seemed   to  be  in  constant  an.xiety 
lest  the  rebels  should  confiscate  a  large  drove  of 
cattle  he  had  at  a  pasture  back  in  the  country 
and  was  in  the  habit  of  riding  out  twice  each  week 
to  "see  to  them,"  as  he  said.     There  was  some- 
thing suspicious  in  this,  for  persons  as  much  in 
want  of  provisions  as  the  rebels  were  reported  to 
be-as  they  had  gathered  up  all  the  stock  in  the 
country  for  miles  around  Vicksburg-would   not 
be  hkely  to  respect  such  property,  although  it  did 
belong  to  a  neutral. 

The  captain  and  his  officers  mingled  freely  with 


164  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

the  people,  wlio  appeared  to  be  eager  to  com' 
municate  all  the  plans  of  the  rebels  with  which 
they  had  become  acquainted.  Frank,  as  usual, 
was  on  the  watch;  and  if  he  sometimes  paid  a 
visit  to  the  house,  he  was  more  frequently  seen 
questioning  the  negroes — of  whom  there  were 
about  half  a  dozen  on  the  plantation,  the  others 
having  been  compelled  to  leave  their  master  to 
work  on  the  fortifications — who  were  either  pro- 
foundly ignorant  of  what  was  going  on,  or  else 
were  true  rebels.  There  was  one  negro,  in  par- 
ticular, in  whom  the  young  officer  was  interested. 
He  was  a  tall,  muscular  fellow,  black  as  midnight, 
about  whom  there  was  a  kind  of  sneaking,  hang- 
dog look  that  Frank  did  not  hke.  He  always 
accompanied  his  master  on  his  trips  to  attend  his 
cattle,  and  Frank  felt  confident  that  if  any  one 
about  the  plantation  knew  of  any  thing  suspicious 
going  on,  it  was  this  negro;  but,  in  spite  of  his 
efibrts,  he  could  not  find  an  opportunity  to  talk 
with  him,  for  the  negro  was  generally  in  the  com- 
pany of  his  master,  and,  when  alone,  seemed  to 
take  particular  pains  to  avoid  the  young  officer. 
This  was  enough  to  arouse  his  suspicions,  and  he 
determined  to  watch  him   closely.     He  reported 


A   GOOD   night's   WORK.  165 

the  matter  to  the  captain,  who  readily  granted  his 
request  that  he  might  be  allowed  to  spend  his  time, 
when  off  watch,  on  shore. 

A  week  passed,  but  nothing  had  been  devel- 
oped. At  length,  one  morning  the  Frenchman 
prepared  to  pay  his  usual  visit  to  the  country. 
The  negro  was  to  accompany  him,  and  as  Frank 
saw  them  about  to  move  off,  he  inquired,  care- 
lessly : 

"Haven't  you  got  another  horse?  If  you 
have,  I  should  like  to  go  with  you." 

"0,  no,"  answered  the  man,  quickly,  "I  have 
no  other  horse ;  and  if  I  had,  it  would  n't  do  for 
you  to  go,  for  you  would  certainly  get  captured." 

This  set  Frank  to  thinking.  The  Frenchman 
had  often  told  him  that  there  were  no  rebels  in 
that  section  of  the  country,  and  now  his  excuse 
for  not  wanting  company  was  that  Frank  would  be 
captured.  There  was  something  suspicious  in  this. 
After  seeing  the  man  depart,  he  hailed  the  ship 
for  a  boat,  and  as  soon  as  he  arrived  on  board, 
sought  an  intervicAV  with  the  captain. 

"I  do  not  believe,  sir,"  said  he,  "that  this 
Frenchman  owns  any  stock  in  the  country.  It 
is  my  opinion  that  he  goes  out  there  to  hold  com- 


166  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

munication  with  the  rebels.  He's  a  sort  of  spy 
and  messenger-boy,  and  relies  on  his  nationality 
to  protect  him  from  suspicion." 

Frank  then  related  the  particulars  of  Tvhat  had 
transpired  at  the  house,  and  the  captain  readily 
agreed  with  him.  But  the  question  was,  how  to 
proceed,  in  order  to  ascertain  what  was  going  on, 
and  what  kind  of  information  was  furnished  the 
rebels.  It  was  impossible  to  follow  the  men  on 
their  trips  without  being  discovered;  neither  was 
it  pohcy  to  seize  the  man,  accuse  him  of  treachery, 
and  compel  him  to  confess  the  truth,  for  the  plot, 
whatever  it  was,  might  not  be  completed,  and  it 
might  be  necessary  to  keep  the  Frenchman  in  ig- 
norance of  the  fact  that  his  complicity  with  the 
rebels  had  become  known,  in  order  that,  when  the 
work  was  completed,  it  might  be  finished  up  en- 
tirely. 

"Well,  to  tell  the  truth,"  said  the  captain, 
rising  from  his  chair  and  pacing  up  and  down  the 
cabin,  "I  really  don't  know  how  to  act.  That 
something  is  wrong,  I  have  long  been  satisfied; 
but  I  don't  know  how  to  go  to  work  to  find  out 
what  it  is." 

"I  believe  I  can  find  it  out,  sir,"  said  Frank, 


A   GOOD   night's    WORK.  167 

who,  with  his  usual  promptness,  had  determined 
upon  a  plan.  "  They  will  return  this  afternoon 
about  three  o'clock,  and,  with  your  permission,  I'll 
see  what  I  can  do."       ^ 

"Very  well,"  rephed  the  captain,  in  a  tone 
which  showed  that  he  did  not  anticipate  his  suc- 
cess. "  Go  ahead ;  but  be  careful  not  to  excite 
their  suspicions." 

Such  a  commission  as  this — something  requir- 
ing skill  and  judgment — was  just  what  suited 
Frank,  and,  having  laid  his  plans,  he  felt  confident 
of  success.  At  half-past  two  a  boat  was  called 
away,  and  he,  in  company  with  the  mate — both 
armed  with  revolvers — went  on  shore.  Frank 
walked  up  to  the  house  and  seated  himself  on 
the  portico,  while  the  mate,  previously  instructed, 
strolled  off  toward  the  barn. 

There  were  two  officers  in  the  house  belonging 
to  the  vessel,  and  Frank  had  spent  but  a  few 
moments  in  conversation  with  them,  when  the 
Frenchman  and  the  negro  rode  up.  The  former 
dismounted  and  greeted  the  officers  with  apparent 
cordiaUty,  but  Frank  scarcely  noticed  him,  for  his 
eyes  were  upon  the  negro,  who  rode  off  toward 
the  barn  to  put  up  the  horses.     Frank  aroso  from 


168  FRANK    BEFORE    VICKSBURG. 

his  seat  and  followed  sIotvIj  after  him.  As  th< 
officers  Tvere  accustomed  to  roam  wherever  thej 
pleased  about  the  plantation,  no  notice  was  take) 
of  his  movements.  When  he  reached  the  barL 
where  the  negro  was  unsaddling  the  horses,  ho 
entered  and  closed  the  door  behind  him.  Tho 
negro  became  terrified  when  he  found  himself  thua 
confronted,  for  suspicions  that  he  and  his  master 
had  been  discovered  instantly  flashed  across  hi» 
mind. 

"  Ah,  I  know  that  you  are  guilty,  you  rascal,'" 
said  Frank,  triumphantly,  as  he  noticed  the  manS 
trepidation.  "  Come  here ;  I  want  to  have  a  few 
moments'  conversation  with  you  on  a  very  import- 
ant subject.     Come  here." 

The  negro  dropped  the  saddle  which  he  had 
just  taken  from  one  of  the  horses,  and  stood  for 
a  moment  undecided  how  to  act ;  then  springing 
forward  like  a  tiger,  he  thrust  the  officer  aside, 
and  endeavored  to  open  the  door.  Quick  as 
thought,  Frank  grappled  with  him,  but  the  negro 
was  a  most  powerful  fellow,  and  would  no  doubt 
have  succeeded  in  escaping,  had  not  the  mate 
sprang  from  a  manger,  where  he  had  lain  con- 
cealed, and  felled  him  to   the  floor  with  a  blow 


A   GOOD  night's   WORK.  169 

from  the  butt  of  his  revolver.  For  some  time  he 
lay  insensible,  in  spite  of  the  buckets  of  water 
which  were  dashed  over  him ;  but  at  length  he 
began  to  recover.  When  he  was  able  to  sit  up, 
the  mate  stationed  himself  at  the  door  to  guard 
against  surprise,  and  Frank  proceeded  to  inter- 
roo;ate  the  nefirro. 

"  In  the  first  place,"  said  he,  ^'  I  guess  you  have 
found  that  we  are  in  earnest,  haven't  you?" 

The  negro  felt  of  his  head,  but  made  no  reply. 

"  Now,"  continued  Frank,  ^'  unless  you  answer 
every  question  I  ask  you,  I'll  take  you  on  board 
the  ship  as  a  prisoner.  What  do  you  and  your 
master  go  out  into  the  country  for,  twice  every 
week?" 

The  negro  still  remained  silent,  and  Frank, 
finally  growing  impatient,  exclaimed,  ^'  Here,  Jack, 
take  this  scoundrel  on  board  the  ship;  I  guess  we 
can  find  means  to  make  him  open  his  mouth." 

"  0,  my  master  will  kill  me,"  whimpered  the 
negro,  trembling  violently.  "  If  I  do  n't  tell  you 
every  thing,  you  will  kill  me;  and  if  I  do,  my 
master  will  kill  me,  too;  so  I  shall  die  any  way." 

"No  you  won't;  just  tell  me  the  truth,  and  I'll 
Bee  that  ro  one  harms  you.     Your  master  need 


170  FRAKK   BEFORE   VICKSBURa, 

know  nothing  about  it ;  we  shall  not  be  likely  to 
tell  him.  Now,  what  is  there  out  in  the  country 
that  you  go  to  see  so  often?" 

**  Torpedoes,"  replied  the  negro,  in  a  low  voice, 
gazing  about  the  barn  with  a  frightened  air,  as  if 
he  expected  to  see  his  master  appear  before  him 
in  some  magical  manner. 

"Torpedoes!"  lepeated  Frank.  "Where  are 
they?" 

"In  a  little  creek  about  six  miles  from  here." 

"Who  is  making  them?  Are  there  any  rebels 
there?" 

"Yes;  there  is  a  colonel,  major,  and  lieutenant 
there ;  but  my  master's  black  men  are  doing  the 
work." 

By  adroit  questioning — for  the  negro  was  very 
careful  to  answer  no  further  than  he  was  asked — 
Frank  finally  gleaned  the  whole  particulars.  One 
piece  of  information  troubled  him  not  a  little,  and 
that  was,  an  attempt  was  soon  to  be  made  to  blow 
up  the  Trenton.  He  also  learned  the  number  of 
the  torpedoes,  the  manner  of  operating  with  them, 
and  other  particulars  that  will  soon  appear.  lie 
was  then  as  much  puzzled  as  ever,  and  paced  the 
floor  of  the  barn,  undecided  how  to  act.     The  time 


A   GOOD  night's   WORK.  171 

Bet  for  the  sinking  of  the  Trenton  was  Friday 
night,  (it  was  then  Thursday),  and  as  information 
of  her  movements  was  every  day  conveyed  to  the 
rebels,  the  question  was,  how  to  keep  them  in 
ignorance  that  their  plot  had  been  discovered, 
so  that  the  work  might  be  carried  on  as  usual. 
There  was,  apparently,  but  one  way,  and  that  was 
to  hold  out  inducements  to  the  negro. 

"  See  here,"  Frank  suddenly  excla'med,  "you 
are  between  two  fires  now." 

"  I  know  that,"  replied  the  negro,  well  aware 
that  he  was  in  a  most  precarious  situation;  "I 
know  that.     But  what  am  I  to  do  ?" 

"Well,  this  is  what  you  must  do,"  answered 
Frank ;  "  go  off  and  attend  to  your  business,  just 
as  you  did  before.  Of  course  you  won't  be  fool- 
ish enough  to  say  a  word  about  this  meeting  to 
any  one  around  the  plantation ;  but  if  every  thing 
does  not  transpire  to-morrow  night  just  as  you 
said  it  would,  I  shall  think  that  you  have  been 
telling  some  one,  and  that  the  plot  is  discovered, 
and  then  you're  a  goner.  But  if  you  will  assist 
me,  I  will  take  care  of  you ;  I  will  take  you  on 
board  the  ship,  and  make  a  free  man  of  you." 

The  negro,  who   had  been  worked  up  to  the 


172  FRANK  BEFORE   YICKSBURG. 

highest  pitch  of  terror  at  the  turn  affairs  were 
taking,  brightened  up  Avhen  the  words  *'free  man" 
struck  his  ear,  and  Frank,  who  was  a  pretty  good 
judge  of  human  nature,  could  easily  read  what 
was  passing  in  his  mind,  and  knew  that  in  the 
negro  he  had  a  faithful  coadjutor. 

"  Now,  if  you  are  certain  that  you  understand 
what  I  mean,"  said  he,  "  be  off.  Go  out  the  back 
door,  so  that  no  one  will  see  you  from  the  house ; 
and  remember  that  your  freedom  depends  upon 
the  manner  in  which  you  behave  yourself." 

The  negro  arose  from  the  floor,  and  speedily 
made  his  exit.  After  waiting  long  enough  to 
allow  him  to  reach  the  house,  Frank  and  the 
mate  slipped  out  of  the  front  door.  Giving  the 
negro  quarters  a  wide  berth,  they  approached  the 
house  in  a  different  direction  from  that  in  which 
they  had  left  it. 

The  mate  had  been  instructed  to  keep  the  affair 
a  profound  secret,  for,  now  that  they  had  suc- 
ceeded in  working  out  so  much  of  the  plot,  they 
wished  to  have  the  honor  of  completing  it. 

After  a  few  moments'  conversation  with  the 
Frenchman  at  the  house,  they  repaired  on  board 
the  vessel. 


A   GOOD   night's   WORK.  173 

"I  Lave  returned,  sir,"  said  Frank,  as  he  en- 
tered the  cabin. 

"So  I  see,"  replied  the  captain,  good-humor- 
edlj,  "  and  have,  I  suj^pose,  accomphshed  noth- 


ing." 


"Xo,  sir;  I  can't  saj  that,"  answered  Frank, 
guardedly.  "I  have  accomplished  considerable. 
I  know  that  iho  Frenchman  is  a  spy;  that  he  has 
daily  communication  with  the  rebels,  and  that  his 
story  of  visiting  his  stock  in  the  country  is  non- 
sense. He  has  about  as  many  cattle  there  as  I 
have." 

"Have  you  indeed  succeeded?"  inquired  the 
captain,  in  surprise. 

"Well,  no,  sir,  not  entirely,"  replied  Frank, 
who  did  not  know  how  much  it  was  best  to  tell 
the  captain.  "I  have  learned  more  than  that, 
but  it  takes  time  to  complete  the  work.  Before  I 
go  further,  sir,  I  should  Hke  authority  to  manage 
the  affiiir  myself.  After  I  have  gone  as  far  as^^I 
have,  I  should  n't  like  to  be  superseded." 

"  That  was  not  my  intention.     No  one  shall  be 

placed  over  you.      If   you   can   accomplish   any 

thing  more,  do  it.     But  what  else  did  you  hear?" 

•     Frank  then  related  the  result  of  the  interview 


174  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

between  himself  and  the  negro,  and  then  left  the 
cabin,  with  repeated  assurances  that  his  plans  for 
capturing  the  rebels  should  not  be  interfered 
with. 

The  next  day,  it  seemed  to  Frank,  moved  on 
laggard  wings  ;  but  afternoon  came  at  length.  He 
then  went  on  shore,  and  after  having  learned  from 
the  negro  that  every  thing  was  working  as  nicely 
as  could  be  wished,  returned,  and  commenced 
making  his  preparations  for  the  night's  work.  At 
eight  o'clock  he  again  left  the  vessel  in  a  small 
skiff,  with  two  negroes  for  a  crew,  and  the  mate 
shortly  followed  in  the  cutter,  with  twenty  men,  all 
well  armed.  The  former  held  up  the  river,  and 
the  cutter  pulled  in  an  opposite  direction.  The 
officers  of  the  ship  were,  of  course,  very  much 
surprised  at  these  movements.  As  they  had  not 
been  informed  of  what  was  going  on,  they  thronged 
the  forward  part  of  the  deck,  watching  the  ex- 
pedition as  long  as  it  remained  in  sight. 

The  night  was  dark  as  pitch,  but  it  could  not 
have  been  better  for  their  purpose;  and  Frank 
was  highly  delighted  at  the  handsome  manner  in 
which  all  his  plans  were  working,  and  which 
promised  complete  success.     He  held  his  course 


A   GOOD   NIGHT'S   WORK.  I75 

np   the  river   until  lie   arrived   at  a  small  creek 
whose    mouth    was    almost    concealed    bj    thick 
bushes  and  trees.     He  boldly  entered  this  creek, 
but  had  not  proceeded  far  when  a  voice  hailed  : 
*'Who  comes  there?" 

"Death  to  the  Yankees,"  promptly  replied 
Frank. 

"Why,  you're  half  an  hour  ahead  of  time," 
said  the  voice.  "Didn't  the  Yanks  see  you  L 
you  came  up  ? " 

"I  '11  wager  a  good  deal  they  did,"  said  another 
voice.  "It  would  be  just  our  luck  to  have  the 
whole  affair  knocked  in  the  head.  But  we'll 
make  the  attempt,  any  way.     Come  up  here." 

It  was  so  dark  in  the  creek  that  Frank  could 
scarcely  see  his  hand  before  him;  but  he  knew 
pretty  well  who  it  was  addressing  him.     Pulling 
up  the  creek,  in  obedience  to  the  order,  he  came 
m  sight  of  a  boat  lying  close  to  the  bank,  in  the 
shade  of  the  bushes  that  hung  out  over  the  water. 
In  this  boat  were  seated  three  men,  two  of  whom 
were  holding  in  their  hands  several  ropes  that  led 
to  a  dark  object  that  lay  in  the  water  astern  of 
the  skiff. 

"Here's  the  torpedo,"  said  one  of  the  men,  as 


176  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

Frank  came  alongside,  and  as  lie  spoke  lie  passed 
the  ropes  over  to  the  young  officer.  "  Just  drop 
silently  down  the  river  as  far  as  you  can  without 
being  discovered,  and  then  cast  off  the  torpedo, 
and  let  it  float  down  on  to  the  Trenton.  We  '11 
go  up  on  the  hank  and  watch  the  experiment." 

"Gentlemen,"  said  Frank,  suddenly  pulling  a 
brace  of  revolvers  from  his  pocket,  "  you  are  my 
prisoners." 

As  he  spoke,  the  negroes  threw  down  their  oars 
and  sprang  into  the  skiff.  Before  the  rebels  could 
draw  a  weapon,  they  were  powerless  in  the  strong 
grasp  of  Frank's  sable  coadjutors.  The  prisoners 
were  the  colonel  and  major  of  whom  the  negro  at 
the  plantation  had  spoken.  The  third  person  in 
the  boat  was  one  of  the  Frenchman's  slaves,  who 
had  rowed  the  boat  down  the  creek  for  the  rebels. 
He  had  jumped  to  his  feet  as  if  about  to  escape, 
but  had  been  collared  by  one  of  Frank's  negroes, 
and  thrown  into  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  where 
the  fear  of  the  revolvers  kept  him  quiet. 

"  What 's  the  meaning  of  all  this  ?  "  asked  the 
colonel,  as  he  struggled  furiously  to  free  himself. 

"It  means,"  replied  Frank,  coolly,  "that  you 
are  prisoners  in  the  hands  of  those  you  sought  to 


A   GOOD  night's   WORK.  177 

destroy.  So  surrender  yourselves  without  any 
more  fuss.     Make  their  hands  fast,  boys." 

The  negroes,  who  seemed  to  be  well  prepared, 
drew  from  their  pockets  several  pieces  of  stout 
cord,  with  which  they  proceeded  to  tie  the  arms 
of  the  rebels,  who,  finding  that  escape  was  irr.  pos- 
sible, submitted  to  the  operation  without  any  fur- 
ther resistance.  As  soon  as  they  were  secured, 
Frank  made  the  torpedo  fast  to  the  bank,  after 
which  he  and  his  men,  with  the  prisoners,  dis- 
embarked, and  commenced  marching  toward  the 
house.  They  had  proceeded  but  a  short  distance 
when  they  received  a  challenge,  to  which  Frank 
replied,  when  they  were  joined  by  three  of  the 
crew,  who  had  been  stationed  on  the  bank  by 
the  mate,  to  capture  the  rebels,  in  case  they 
should  escape  from  his  officer.  The  prisoners 
were  given  into  their  charge,  and  Frank  continued 
his  march  toward  the  house,  congratulating  him- 
self that,  although  his  work  was  but  half  done, 
he  had  succeeded  beyond  his  expectations. 

The  field  about  the  house  was  silent  as  death, 

but  he  knew  that  the  mate  had  neglected  none  of 

his  instructions,  and  that  trusty  men  were  hidden 

all   around  him,   ready   at  any   moment   to  len*' 

12 


178  FRANK   BEFORE    VICKSBURG. 

effective  assistance.  Arriving  at  tlio  doot,  b* 
pounded  loudly  upon  it  with  the  butt  of  Lis  re- 
volver. The  summons  was  answered  by  the 
Frenchman,  who  gazed  upon  our  hero  with  sur- 
prise, not  unmingled  with  a  feeling  of  alarm. 

"I'm  glad  to  see  you,"  said  Frank.  "You're 
just  the  chap  I  want." 

Jhe  Frenchman  comprehended  at  once  that  he 
had  been  betrayed.  Drawing  a  pistol,  he  leveled 
it  full  at  Frank's  head,  but  before  he  had  time  to 
lire,  a  blow  from  a  saber  in  the  hands  of  one  of 
the  negroes,  who  had  followed  close  behind  Frank, 
knocked  the  weapon  from  his  grasp.  The  next 
moment  the  back  door  of  the  room  was  suddenly 
opened,  and  the  Frenchman  was  clasped  in  the 
sturdy  arms  of  the  mate. 

"  Give  him  to  some  of  the  men.  Jack,"  said 
Frank,  "and  then  follow  me  quick,  or  we  may  be 
too  late." 

The  order  was  obeyed,  and  the  mate,  accom- 
panied by  the  two  negroes,  followed  Frank,  who 
led  the  way  back  to  the  creek  where  the  torpedo 
had  been  captured.  They  were  just  in  the  "nick 
of  time,"  for,  as  they  approached,  they  distinctly 
heard  a  voice  inquire: 


A   GOOD   night's    WORK.  179 

""Where's  the  colonel?  Here's  the  torpedo, 
made  fast  to  the  bank.  I  wonder  if  there  is  any 
thlncr  wronor?" 

Frank  and  the  mate  at  once  became  more  cau- 
tious in  their  movements,  but  their  approach  had 
already  been  discovered,  for  the  lieutenant  called 
out: 

"Who  goes  there?" 

"Yankees,"  replied  Frank,  stepping  out  from 
the  bushes,  with  a  revolver  in  each  hand.  "  Come 
out  here,  and  surrender!" 

The  rebel  was  taken  so  completely  by  surprise 
that  he  seemed  deprived  of  all  power  of  action. 
He  could  hardly  realize  that  he  was  a  prisoner, 
until  Frank  repeated  his  order  in  a  more  decided 
manner,  adding,  "I'm  a  good  shot  at  that  dis- 
tance." The  lieutenant  evidently  did  not  doubt 
this,  for  he  arose  to  his  feet,  and  sprang  out  upon 
the  bank.  The  prisoners  having  now  all  been  se- 
cured, Frank  collected  hia  men  and  returned  on 
board  his  vessel. 

We  will  now  pause  to  explain.  Frank,  as  we 
have  seen,  had  learned  from  the  negro  that  one 
of  the  torpedoes  would  be  finished .  by  Friday 
night;  that  it  was  to  be  towed  down  the  creek  tu 


180  FR.\NK  BEFORE   VICKSBURO. 

the  river  by  the  colonel  and  major,  who  were  to 
put  it  in  working  order,  and  deliver  it  to  the  lieu- 
tenant, who,  with  two  negroes  to  row  his  boat,  was 
to  leave  the  plantation  at  half-past  eight  o'clock, 
to  note  the  exact  position  of  the  Trenton,  so  that, 
after  getting  the  torpedo  into  position,  he  could 
allow  it  to  float  down  upon  the-  vessel.  The 
Frenchman  was  to  be  on  board,  and,  with  the  as- 
sistance of  the  negroes,  was  to  capture  any  who 
might  escape  the  explosion.  Frank  had  laid  his 
plans  to  capture  the  lieutenant  first;  but,  through 
fear  of  creating  a  disturbance,  or  being  seen  from 
the  house,  he  had  been  compelled  to  abandon  the 
idea,  and  had  started  half  an  hour  earher,  that  he 
might  secure  the  lieutenant  after  the  capture  of 
the  others  had  been  effected,  and  before  he  would 
have  time  to  discover  that  any  thing  was  wrong. 
His  plans  had  all  worked  so  admu-ably,  that  he 
was  not  a  little  elated  with  his  success.  It  was 
a  happy  moment  for  him  when  he  brought  his 
prisoners  over  the  side  of  the  vessel,  and  con- 
ducted them  to  the  quarter-deck,  where  the  cap- 
tain and  all  the  officers  were  waiting  to  receive 
them.  The  necessary  explanations  were  soon 
given,   after  which   the   prisoners    were    ordered 


A   GOOD    night's   WORK.  181 

below,  and  Frank  retired  to  his  room,  well  satis- 
fied with  his  night's  work. 

The  next  morning  an  expedition  went  ashore, 
accompanied  bj  the  captain.  After  destroying 
the  torpedo  which  had  been  captured  the  night 
before,  they  were  conducted  by  the  negro  to  the 
place  where  several  more  were  in  process  of  com- 
pletion. These  also  were  demolished.  While 
thus  engaged,  one  of  the  sentinels,  which  Frank 
had  posted  a  short  distance  up  the  road,  fired  his 
gun,  and  commenced  retreating.  Frank  at  once 
formed  his  men  in  Hne,  in  readiness  for  an  attack. 
Shortly  afterward  a  company  of  cavalry  came  gal- 
loping around  a  bend  in  the  road,  and  fired  their 
carbines  at  the  sentinel,  who  ran  for  dear  life. 
They  halted,  however,  on  seeing  the  preparations 
made  to  receive  them,  and  the  captain,  taking  ad- 
vantage of  this,  ordered  Frank  to  fire.  The  mus- 
kets cracked  in  rapid  succession,  and,  when  the 
smoke  cleared  away,  the  sailors  saw  several  rider- 
less horses  galloping  about,  showing  that  their  fire 
had  been  efi*ective. 

The  rebels  scattered  in  all  directions,  and,  dis- 
mounting, concealed  themselves  behind  logs  and 
bushes,  and  commenced  fighting  in  their  regular 


182  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

Indiau  fashion.  The  captain,  knowing  that  such 
an  action  vrould  not  result  advantageously  to  him, 
and  having  accomplished  the  work  for  which  he 
had  set  out,  ordered  the  sailors  to  fall  back  slowly. 
As  they  obeyed,  the  rebels  commenced  pursuing ; 
but  the  expedition  reached  the  river  without  the 
loss  of  a  single  man.  The  officer  in  command  of 
the  vessel,  hearing  the  firing,  commenced  shelling 
the  woods,  and  under  cover  of  this  fire  the  sailors 
reached  the  ship  in  safety. 

The  work  which  had  been  assigned  the  Trenton 
had  not  been  accomplished,  but  as  the  time  allotted 
for  her  stay  had  expired,  she  started  the  next 
morning  to  join  the  fleet  at  Yazoo  River.  The 
prisoners  were  delivered  over  to  the  commanding 
naval  officer — the  admiral  being  below  the  bat- 
teries— to  whom  a  flattering  mention  was  made  of 
Frank,  and  the  skillful  manner  in  which  he  had 
performed  his  work.  The  young  officer  received 
the  assurance  that  his  gallant  exploit  should  not 
be  overlooked. 


m   TUE    TIIENCHES.  183 


CHAPTER   XII. 

HE  day  after  their  arrival  at  Yazoo 
!^J  River  an  officer  from  the  flag-ship 
came  on  board.  After  holding  a 
short  consultation  with  the  captain,  the 
'der  was  given  to  get  the  ship  under 
l(i^  way,  when,  as  soon  as  the  anc'hor  was 
weighed,  they  steamed  down  the  river. 
What  could  be  the  meaning  of  this  new  move  ? 
Were  their  services  needed  below  Yicksburg,  and 
were  they  about  to  imitate  the  Queen  of  the 
West,  and  run  by  the  batteries  in  broad  daylight  ? 
That  hardly  seemed  to  be  the  case,  for  the  men 
were  not  called  to  quarters,  and  the  officers  were 
allowed  to  remain  on  deck.  Every  one  was  ex- 
cited, and  many  were  the  speculations  indulged  in 
as  to  what  was  to  be  the  next  duty  the  Trenton 
would  be  called  on  to  perform.     Td  the  impatient 


184  FRANK   BEFORE    VICKSBURG. 

men,  the  seven  miles  that  lay  between  Yazoo 
River  and  Yicksburg  seemed  lengthened  into  a 
hundred;  hut  at  length  they  rounded  the  point 
above  the  mouth  of  the  canal,  and  saw  before  them 
the  Sebastopol  of  the  Rebellion.  It  was  the  first 
time  Frank  had  ever  seen  the  city,  and  it  was  a 
sight  that  he  would  not  have  missed  for  a  good 
deal.  On  the  hights  above  the  city,  and  even  in 
the  streets,  the  little  mounds  of  earth  thrown  up 
showed  where  rebel  cannon  were  mounted,  and 
now  and  then  a  puff  of  smoke  would  rise  from 
pne  of  these  mounds,  and  a  shell  would  go  shriek- 
ing toward  the  solid  lines  of  the  besiegers,  which 
now  completely  inclosed  the  rebels,  while  an  oc- 
casional roar  of  heavy  guns  told  them  that  the 
iron-clads  still  kept  close  watch  on  the  movements 
of  the  enemy  below. 

The  right  of  the  army  rested  on  the  river,  above 
the  city,  and  here  the  Trenton  landed,  just  out 
of  range  of  the  batteries.  Preparations  were  at 
once  made  to  move  some  of  the  guns  on  shore. 
The  ones  selected  were  those  belono-inoj  to  Frank's 
division,  and  they  were  to  be  mounted  in  the 
batteries  above  the  city,  and  about  a  quarter  of 
a    mile  from  the  river.     It  was  something  of  a 


IN   THE    TRENCUES.  185 

task  to  move  the  battery  that  distance,  but  Frank 
and  his  men  worked  incessantly,  and  on  the  sec- 
ond night  the  guns  were  brought  to  the  pKce 
where  it  was  proposed  to  mount  them.  The 
sailors,  although  almost  exhausted,  at  once  ccm- 
menced  throwing  up  a  battery;  but  as  soon  as 
the  day  dawned,  a  couple  of  shells,  w^histling  c  ver 
their  heads,  admonished  them  that  it  was  time  to 
cease.  After  a  hearty  breakfast  on  the  rations 
they  had  brought  with  them,  the  men  lay  down 
in  the  trenches,  and,  wearied  with  their  night's 
work,  slept  soundly,  in  spite  of  the  roar  of  can- 
non and  the  rattling  of  musketry  that  had  com- 
menced as  soon  as  it  became  light  enough  for  the 
combatants  to  distinguish  each  other.  But  life  in 
the  trenches  was  a  new  thing  to  Frank,  4*nd  he 
walked  through  the  rifle-pits,  every-whcre  cor- 
dially greeted  by  the  soldiers,  who  liked  the  locks 
of  these  big  guns,  with  which  they  knew  he  had 
something  to  do,  and  who  made  their  boasts  that, 
as  soon  as  the  "beauties''  were  mounted  and  in 
position,  they  would  "square  accounts"  with  the 
rebels.  There  was  cne  gun  in  partis. ular  that 
annoyed  the  soldiers  exceedingly,  and  prevented 
them  from  working  on  the  trenches.    E\4.ry  time  a 


186  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

shell  flew  over  their  heads,  they  would  exclaim, 
"  Shoot  away  there,  for  this  is  your  last  day ;" 
and  Frank  was  obliged  to  promise,  over  and  over 
again,  that  his  fii'st  care  should  be  to  dismount 
that  gun. 

Frank  found  that,  the  further  he  went,  the 
nearer  the  rifle-pits  approached  to  the  city;  and 
finally  he  came  to  a  group  of  soldiers  who  ap- 
peared to  be  conversing  with  some  invisible  per- 
sons. As  he  approached,  he  heard  a  voice, 
which  seemed  to  come  from  the  ground,  almost 
at  his  side,  exclaim: 

"I  say,  Yank,  throw  over  your  plug  of  to- 
bacco, won't  you?" 

"  Can't  see  it,  Johnny,"  replied  one  of  the  sol- 
diers.    ^'You  wouldn't  throw  it  back  again." 

"  Yes,  I  will,  honor  bright,"  answered  the 
rebel. 

"Why,"  exclaimed  Frank,  in  surprise,  "I 
didn't  know  that  you  had  pushed  your  lines  so 
close  to  the  enemy's  works  !  " 

"Yes,"  said  a  lieutenant,  who  at  this  moment 
came  up,  "there's  a  rebel  rifle-pit  not  four  feet 
from  you." 

"  Here,"  said  a  soldier,  handing  Frank  his  gun, 


IN   THE   TRENCHES.  187 

•*put   your   cap   on  this  bayonet  and  hold  it  up, 
and  you  '11  soon  see  how  far  off  they  are." 

Frank  did  as  the  soldier  suggested.  The  mo- 
ment he  raised  his  cap  above  the  rifle-pit,  a  bay- 
onet was  suddenly  thrust  out,  and  when  it  was 
di-awn  in,  his  cap  went  with  it. 

"Now,  look  at  that!"  exclaimed  Frank.  "It's 
very  provoking  ! " 

"  Aha,  Yank  !  you  're  minus  that  head-piece," 
shouted  a  voice,  which  was  followed  by  a  roar  of 
laughter  from  the  rebels,  and  from  all  the  soldiers 
in  the  rifle-pit  who  had  witnessed  the  performance. 
"I'm  sorry,  sir,"  said  the  soldier.  «I  did  not 
want  you  to  lose  your  cap."  Then,  raising  his 
voice,  he  shouted— "Johnny,  throw  that  cap  back 
here ! " 

"0,  no,"  answered  the  rebel;  "but  I'll  trade 
with  you.  A  fair  exchange  is  no  robbery,  you 
know,"  and  as  he  spoke  a  hat  came  sailing  through 
the  air,  and  fell  into  the  rifle-pit.  It  was  a  very 
dilapidated  looking  affair,  bearing  unmistakable 
proofs  of  long  service  and  hard  usage. 

"Say,  Yank,"  continued  the  rebel,  "do  you  see 
a  hole  in  the  crown  of  that  hat?" 

"Do  you  caU  this  tiling  a  hat?"  asked  Frank, 


188  FRANK   BEFORE    VICESBURG. 

lifting  the  article  in  question  on  the  point  of  hi» 
sword,  and  holding  it  up  to  the  view  of  the  sol- 
diers. "It  bears  about  as  much  resemblance  to 
a  hat  as  it  does  to  a  coffee-pot." 

"I  don't  care  what  you  call  it,"  returned  the 
rebel ;  "  I  know  it  has  seen  two  years'  hard  serv- 
ice. That  hole  you  see  in  the  crown  was  made 
by  one  of  your  bullets,  and  my  head  was  in  the 
hat  at  the  time,  too." 

"Well,  throw  me  my  cap,"  said  Frank;  "I 
don't  want  to  trade." 

"  What  will  you  give  ?  " 

"We  will  return  your  hat,  and  give  you  a  big 
chew  of  tobacco  to  boot,"  said  the  lieutenant. 

"That's  a  bargain,"  said  the  rebel.  "Let's 
have  it." 

"We  are  not  doing  a  credit  business  on  this 
side  of  the  house,"  answered  Frank.  "You  throw 
over  my  cap  first." 

"You're  sure  you  don't  intend  to  swindle  a 
fellow?     Upon  your  honor,  now." 

"Try  me  and  see,"  replied  Frank,  with  a  laugh. 

"Here  you  are,  then;"  and  the  missing  cap  was 
thrown  into  the  rifle-pit,  and  a  soldier  restored  it 
to   its   owner.     It  was   rather  the  worse   for  its 


IN   THE   TRENCHES.  189 

«hurt  sojourn  in  the  rebel  hands,  for  there  was  a 
bayonet  hole  clear  through  it. 

^'Say,  you  rebel,"  exclaimed  Frank,  "why 
did  n't  you  tell  me  that  you  had  stuck  a  bayonet 
into  my  cap?" 

"Couldn't  help  it,  Yank,"  was  the  answer. 
"Come  now,  I've  filled  my  part  of  the  contract, 
80  live  up  to  your  promise.  Remember,  you  said 
honor  bright." 

"Well  here's  your  hat,"  replied  Frank  ;  and  he 
threw  the  article  in  question  over  to  its  rebel 
owner. 

"And  here's  your  tobacco,  Johnny,"  chimed 
in  a  soldier,  who  cut  off  a  huge  piece  of  the  weed, 
and  threw  it  after  the  hat." 

"Yank,  you're  a  gentleman,"  said  the  rebel, 
speaking  in  a  thick  tone,  which  showed  that  the 
much  coveted  article  had  already  found  its  way 
into  his  mouth.  "If  I've  got  any  thing  you 
want,  just  say  so,  and  you  can  have  it;  any  thing 
except  my  weapons." 

Frank,  who  was  so  much  amused  at  what  had 
just  taken  place  that  he  laughed  until  his  jaws 
ached,  returned  his  mutilated  cap  to  his  head, 
and,  in  company  with  the  lieutenant,  cod  tinned  his 


190  FRANK   BEFORE   VICES  BURG. 

ramble  among  the  rifle-pits,  the  latter  explainif  g 
the  operations  of  the  siege,  and  the  various  inci- 
dents that  had  transpired  since  it  commenced. 
The  rifle-pits,  the  entire  length  of  General  Sher- 
man's command,  Tvere  close  upon  those  of  the 
rebels,  and  the  soldiers  of  both  sides  were  com- 
pelled to  suspend  operations  almost  entirely.  If 
a  man  raised  his  head  to  select  a  mark  for  his 
rifle,  he  "would  find  a  rebel,  almost  within  reach, 
on  the  watch  for  him.  The  soldiers  were  very 
communicative,  and  all  along  the  line  Frank  saw 
groups  of  men  holding  conversation  with  their  in- 
visible enemies. 

After  viewing  the  works  to  his  satisfaction, 
Frank  accompanied  the  lieutenant  to  his  quar- 
ters— a  rude  hut,  which  had  been  hastily  built  of 
logs  and  branches,  situated  in  a  deep  hollow,  out 
of  reach  of  the  enemy's  shells.  Here  he  ate  an 
excellent  dinner,  and  theu  retraced  his  steps, 
through  the  rifle-pits,  back  to  the  place  where  his 
battery  was  to  be  mounted.  Throwing  himself 
upon  a  blanket,  he  slept  soundly  until  night. 

As  soon  as  it  became  dark,  the  work  of  mount- 
ing the  guns  commenced,  and  was  completed  in 
time  to  allow  the  weary  men  two  hours'  rest  before 


IN   THE    TRENCHES.  191 

daylight.  Frank  had  charge  of  one  of  the  guns, 
and  an  ensign  attached  to  one  of  the  iron-clada 
commanded  the  other.  The  Avhole  was  under  the 
command  of  the  captain  of  the  Trenton.  As  soon 
as  the  enemy's  lines  could  be  discerned,  Frank, 
in  accordance  with  the  promises  made  the  day  be- 
fore, prepared  to  commence  the  work  of  dismount- 
ing the  battery  which  had  given  the  soldiers  so 
much  trouble.  He  pointed  his  gun  himself,  and 
gave  the  order  to  fire.  With  the  exception  of 
now  and  then  a  musket-shot,  or  the  occasional 
shriek  of  a  shell  as  it  went  whistling  into  the 
rebel  lines,  the  night  had  been  remarkably  quiet, 
and  the  roar  that  followed  Frank's  order  awoke 
the  echoes  far  and  near,  causing  many  a  soldier 
to  start  from  his  blanket  in  alarm.  A  shell  from 
the  other  gun  quickly  followed,  and  the  soldiers, 
as  soon  as  they  learned  that  the  "gun-boat  bat- 
tery" had  opened  upon  the  rebel  works,  broke 
out  into  deafening  cheers.  They  had  great  con- 
fidence in  the  "  beauties,"  as  they  called  the  mon- 
ster guns,  for  they  had  often  witnessed  the  effect 
of  their  shells,  and  knew  that  those  who  worked 
them  well  understood  their  business.  Frank  had 
opened  the  ball,  and  iu  less  than  half  an  hour  the 


192  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

firing  became  general  all  along  the  line.  The  gun 
against  -which  their  fire  was  directed  replied  briskly ; 
but  after  a  few  rounds  the  battery  got  its  exact 
range — an  eight- inch  shell  struck  it,  and  it  disap- 
peared from  sight.*  Cheers,  or,  rather,  regular 
"soldier-yells" — a  noise  that  is  different  from 
every  other  sound,  and  which  can  not  be  uttered 
except  by  those  who  have  "served  their  time"  in 
the  army — arose  the  whole  length  of  the  line,  as 
the  soldiers  witnessed  the  effect  of  the  shot,  and 
knew  that  their  old  enemy  would  trouble  them  no 
more. 

In  obedience  to  the  captain's  order,  the  fire  of 
the  battery  was  then  directed  toward  different 
parts  of  the  rebel  works.  The  "  beauties  "  per- 
formed all  that  the  soldiers  had  expected  of  them, 
for  they  were  well  handled,  and  the  huge  sheila 
always  went  straight  to  the  mark.  At  dark  the 
firing  ceased,  and  Frank,  tired  with  his  day's  work, 
ate  a  hearty  supper,  and  threw  himself  upon  his 
blanket  to  obtain  a  few  moments'  rest. 

The  soldiers  from  all  pjfi'ts  of  the  line  at  length 
began  to  crowd  into  the  battery,  examining  every 
part  of  the  guns,  and  listening  to  the  explanations 
given  by  the   old   quarter-gunner,  who,  although 


IN   THE    TRENCHES.  193 

almost  tired  cut,  was  busy  cleaning  the  guns,  and 
could  not  think  of  rest  until  the  battery  had  been 
put  in  readiness  for  use  on  the  morrow.  At 
length  a  man  approached  the  spot  where  Frank 
was  reposing,  and,  seating  himself  at  his  side, 
commenced  an  interesting  conversation.  Frank 
soon  learned  that  his  visitor  was  one  of  the  most 
noted  scouts  in  the  Union  army.  He  was  a  tall, 
broad-shouldered  man,  straight  as  an  arrow,  and 
evidently  possessed  a  great  deal  of  muscular  power. 
Though  ragged  and  dirty,  like  his  companions, 
there  was  something  about  Iiim  that  at  once  at- 
tracted Frank.  His  actions  were  easy  and  grace- 
ful, and  he  had  an  air  of  refinement,  which  was 
observed  by  every  one  with  whom  he  came  in 
contact.  He  was  serving  as  a  private  in  his  regi- 
ment, and,  although  frequently  urged  to  accept 
a  command,  always  declined,  for  he  despised  the 
inactivity  of  camp  life,  and  delighted  in  any  thing 
in  which  there  was  danger  and  excitement.  It  was 
hinted  that  he  had  seen  some  hard  times  durinor  his 

o 

career  as  a  scout.     At  length,  when  the  conversa- 
tion began  to  flag,  one  of  the  soldiers  asked  for  a 
story,  and  the  scout,  after  lighting  his  pipe,  set- 
tled back  on  his  elbow,  and  began  as  follows : 
13 


194  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURQ 


CHAPTER   XIII. 


OYS,  the  life  of  a  scout  is  the  most 
fascinating,  as  well  as  the  most 
dangerous  one  that  I  know  of.  It 
is  a  responsible  one,  too,  for  not  un- 
,^  frequently  the  safety  and  well-being 
'fi^'Qw  of  the  entire  army  depends  upon  our 
reports.  If,  while  we  are  roaming  about  the 
enemy's  camp,  we  are  deceived  in  regard  to  their 
numbers  and  position,  and  our  commanding  officer, 
judging  by  our  reports,  thinks  himself  able  to 
surprise  and  defeat  them,  and  if,  upon  making 
the  attack,  he  finds  that  he  has  been  misled,  we 
are  responsible;  at  least  that  is  Ihe  way  I  have 
always  looked  at  the  matter;  and  many  a  time  I 
have  misrepresented  cases,  and  have,  no  doubt, 
been  the  cause  of  allowing  the  rebels  to  escape, 
when  they  might  easily  have  been  beaten,  know- 


THE  scout's  story.  195 

ing  that  our  hot-hcaJed  commander  -w-ould  order 
an  attack,  no  matter  how  small  the  chance  for 
for  success  might  be. 

"Just  before  we  started  on  the  campaign  that 
resulted  in  the  capture  of  Fort  Donelson,  I  wag 
detailed  to  scout  for  head-quarters;  and  one  day 
while  lying  in  my  tent,  heartily  wishing  that  i^ 
move  would  be  made  which  would  put  an  end  to 
the  lazy  life  I  was  compelled  to  lead,  one  of  the 
general's  staff-officers  entered,  accomp£.d*.<;d  by  a 
youth,  whom  he  introduced  to  me  asf  Kr.  Hender- 
son, and  informed  me  that  he  wls  to  be  my 
*  partner.' 

"*He  my  partner!'  I  ejaculat<;d.  *Is  he  a 
scout?     'VMiat  does  he  know  about  soldiering?' 

"The  new-comer  was  rather  below  the  medium 
bight,  very  slimly  built,  with  soft,  white  hands, 
that  looked  as  though  they  had  never  been  ac- 
customed to  hard  work,  and  a  smooth,  beardless 
face.  lie  seemed  very  much  out  of  place  among 
our  rough  soldiers. 

"^I  don't  know  much  about  scouting,  that's  a 
fact,'  said  he,  with  a  laugh.  'But  I  know  every 
inch  of  the  country,  and  can  use  a  rifle.  I  have 
been  knocked   about   considerably  since  the  war 


196  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

commenced,  and  my  father  was  hanged  in  Tennes- 
see for  being  a  Union  man,  and  I  suffered  all 
sorts  of  hardships  before  I  succeeded  in  making 
mj  escape.' 

"The  officer  left  us  together,  and,  in  spite  of 
the  chagrin  I  felt  that  a  mere  stripling  had  been 
sent  to  me  for  an  associate,  I  was  soon  deeply 
interested  in  him,  for  with  his  almost  cliildlike 
simplicity  there  was  mingled  an  air  of  confidence 
in  his  own  powers  which  drew  me  irresistibly 
toward  him.  He  told  me  his  history,  and  when 
he  dwelt  on  the  cruelty  with  which  the  rebels  had 
treated  Union  men  in  Tennessee,  and  related,  in 
a  subdued  voice,  the  particulars  of  his  father's 
death,  his  slight  frame  quivered  with  excitement, 
and  his  fingers  twitched  convulsively,  as  if  he  felt 
the  perpetrators  of  the  deed  in  his  grasp.  He 
seemed  to  have  the  real  grit  in  him,  and  I  finally 
came  to  the  conclusion  that  I  had  mistaken  my 
man.  I  soon  learned  it  was  so,  for,  the  very 
first  time  we  got  on  a  scout  together,  I  found  that 
he  was  made  of  the  right  stuff,  and  I  began  to 
have  a  great  deal  of  confidence  in  my  youthful 
companion.  I  don't  believe  he  knew  what  fear 
was.     He  was  a  splendid  shot  and  an  excellent 


THE  scout's  story.  197 

rider;  in  fact,  he  seemed  to  be  out  of  his  element 
unless  he  was  in  the  saddle. 

"The  first  time  that  Sam  (for  that  was  my 
companion's  name)  had  a  chance  to  show  his 
qualities  was  after  the  battle  of  Pittsburg  Land- 
ing. One  night,  just  after  dark,  we  set  out  on 
horseback  to  watch  the  movements  of  the  enemy. 
We  were  di-essed  in  our  rebel  uniform,  and  pro- 
vided with  passes  which  would  carry  us  through 
our  lines.  The  night  was  dark  and  cloudy,  but 
Sam,  who  knew  the  road  like  a  book,  took  the 
lead.  We  had  proceeded  in  this  manner  about 
four  miles,  scarcely  saying  a  word  to  each  other, 
when  suddenly,  as  we  came  around  a  bend  in  the 
road,  we  found  ourselves  close  upon  a  picket  sta- 
tion. Several  men  were  lying  around  a  fire,  eat- 
ing their  supper;  and  the  reason  why  we  had  not 
discovered  them  sooner  was  on  account  of  the 
thick  trees  and  bushes,  which  completely  concealed 
the  glare  of  the  fire  from  any  one  coming  down 
the  road.  How  we  had  succeeded  in  passing  the 
sentries,  which  were  posted  some  distance  from  the 
station,  is  still  a  mystery  to  me.  Either  our  ad- 
vance had  been  so  still  that  they  had  not  heard 
us,  or  else  the  sentries  were  asleep ;  at  any  rate, 


198  FRANK   BEIORE   VICKSBURQ. 

we  were  in  tlie  enemy's  lines  before  ^ye  knew  it, 
and  in  something  of  a  scrape.  If  we  undertook 
to  retreat,  besides  running  the  risk  of  being  shot 
by  the  men  at  the  fire,  we  should  be  obliged  to 
pass  the  sentries,  and  we  might  not  succeed,  for 
the  clatter  of  our  horses'  hoofs  would  certainly 
alarm  them.  The  only  way  was  to  ride  up  to  the 
fire  and  pat  a  bold  face  on  the  matter,  which  we 
did,  the  rebels  supposing  that,  as  we  had  passed 
the  sentries,  we  were  all  right.  They  at  once 
took  us  for  some  of  theii'  scouts,  and  one  of  them 
inquired : 

"'How  are  the  Yanks?' 

" '  They  're  there,'  I  replied.  *  And  you  '11  have 
to  haul  in  these  picket  posts  before  long,  or  I  am 
mistaken.' 

"'How  is  that  sentry  out  there?'  asked  the 
lieutenant  in  command. 

"'0,  he's  all  right,'  I  answered,  and  seating 
myself  at  the  fire,  began  to  pitch  into  the  eata- 
bles. Sam  followed  my  example,  and  we  enjoyed 
a  very  good  meal,  after  which  we  smoked  a  pipe, 
and  talked  with  our  companions  about  the  proba- 
bility of  soon  thrashing  the  Yankees  soundly,  and 
wishing  that  we  were  in  the  Eastern  army,  that 


199 

we  might  Lave  tLc  honor  of  carrjmg  the  secesh 
rag  into  Philadelphia  and  all  the  other  large  cities 
at  the  North.  We  also  received  some  very  valu- 
able information  in  regard  to  the  rebels  and  their 
intended  movements ;  and  finally,  concluding  that 
the  general  must  be  looking  for  us,  we  bade  the 
pickets  good-by,  mounted  our  horses,  and  galloped 
down  the  road  toward  the  rebel  camp.  As  soon 
as  we  thought  we  had  gone  far  enough  to  deceive 
the  pickets,  we  turned  off  from  the  road  and 
started  through  the  woods,  intending  to  take  a 
wide  circuit,  pass  the  pickets,  and  start  back  foi 
our  own  camp.  We  stumbled  about  through  the 
woods  for  nearly  an  hour,  and  finally  struck  a 
road  that  appeared  to  run  at  right  angles  with 
the  one  we  had  just  left.  This  we  followed  at  a 
rapid  gallop  for  about  a  mile,  when  Sam  pointed 
out  a  light  that  appeared  to  be  shining  in  the 
window  of  a  house  ahead  of  us.  We  at  once  de- 
termined to  reconnoiter,  and  rode  slowly  forward 
for  that  purpose,  walking  our  horses  on  the  grass 
at  the  side  of  the  road,  so  that  our  advance  would 
be  noiseless.  We  had  gone  but  a  short  distance 
when  we  were  halted.  To  the  challenge,  *Who 
comes  there?'  Sam  replied,  *  Scouts,'  and  throw- 


200  FRANK   BEFORE    YICKSBURa. 

ing  me  his  rein,  lie  swung  himself  from  his  saddle, 
"whispering : 

"  *  Hold  on  a  minute,  Bill !  Let  me  manage 
that  fellow ; '  and  before  I  could  say  a  word  he 
had  disappeared  in  the  darkness. 

"  Several  moments  passed,  when  I  again  heard 
his  voice,  and  riding  forward,  wondering  how  he 
had  *  managed'  the  sentinel,  I  was  surprised  tc 
see  him  with  a  musket  in  his  hand,  pacing  back 
and  forth  across  the  road.  I  instantly  understood 
what  had  transpired,  and  leading  the  horses  cau- 
tiously into  the  bushes  at  the  side  of  the  road,  I 
fastened  them  there,  and  then  returned  to  Sam. 

"'I  could 'nt  help  it,  Bill,'  he  whispered,  as  I 
came  up.  '  I  meant  to  capture  him,  and  compel 
him  to  give  us  some  information;  but  he  fought 
so  desperately  that  I  had  to  settle  him  to  save 
myself.' 

"^It  can't  be  helped;  such  things  are  not  un- 
common in  war  times.  Kow  you  play  the  part 
of  sentry  here  until  some  one  passes,  and  you  can 
find  out  what  the  countersign  is.  Then  I'll  go 
up  to  the  house  and  reconnoiter.' 

"  I  then  lay  down  by  the  side  of  the  road,  and 
in  a  few  moments  Sam  whispered : 


THE  SCOUT'S  ST0R7.  201 

"'Bill,  I  wonder  what's  the  number  of  this 
post?' 

''  *  1  'm  sure  I  don't  know/  I  replied. 
"'Well,  how  am  I  going  to  find  out?'  he  in- 
quired. *If  some  one  should  happen  to  come 
along  without  the  countersign,  and  I  should  want 
to  call  the  corporal,  I  would  be  in  a  nice  fix, 
wouldn't  I?' 

"Sam  said  this  in  such  a  perfectly  cool  and 
unconcerned  manner,  that  I  could  not  help  admir- 
ing him. 

"  Just  then  I  heard  a  faint  shout : 
"'Twelve  o'clock!     Number  one.     All's  well.' 
"'There,' I  whispered;  'the  sentries  are  passing 
the  call.     Now  look  sharp.' 

"The  call  passed  the  round  of  the  sentinels, 
until  number  eight  was  called,  but  a  short  distance 
from  us.     Then  came  a  pause. 

"  Sam,  you  're  number  nine,'  I  hurriedly  whis- 
pered. 

"'Number  nine;  and  all's  well!'  shouted  Sam 
at  the  top  of  his  lungs.  '  So  far,  so  good,'  he 
continued,  in  a  low  voice.  '  Now  I  guess  we  're 
all  right.  Halt ! '  he  shouted,  hearing  the  sound 
of  hoises'  hoofs   rapidly  advancing.     The  horse 


202  FRANK  BEFORE   TICKSBURa. 

man  at  once  drew  rein,  and  at  Sam's  challenge, 
answered : 

"'Colonel  Peckham." 

"'Dismount,  Colonel  Peckliam,  and  give  the 
countersign.' 

" '  Look  here,  my  man,  just  let  me  pass,  will 
you?  Don't  detain  me,  for  I  am  on  important 
business,  and  am  in  a  great  hurry/ 

"  '  Halt,'  shouted  Sam  again ;  '  dismount.' 

" '  I  tell  you  I  am  Colonel  Peckham,  command- 


"'I  don't  care  what  you  command.  Just 
climb  down  off  that  horse  instantly,  or  I  '11  fire  on 
you.  You  should  n't  go  by  me  if  you  were  Presi- 
dent Davis  himself.' 

"  The  colonel,  seeing  that  entreaty  was  in  vain, 
reluctantly  dismounted  and  gave  the  countersign, 
*  Virginia.' 

" '  The  countersign  is  correct.  Pass,  Colonel 
Peckham,'  said  Sam,  bringing  his  musket  promptly 
to  a  shoulder  arms. 

"  After  the  rebel  had  mounted  and  disappeared, 
I  whispered : 

"'Now,  Sam,  I'm  going  up  to  that  house. 
Keep  a  sharp  look-out.' 


203 

^' After  shaking  his  hand  I  started  toward  the 
phice  whire  I  had  seen  the  light.  Walking  care- 
lessly up  toward  a  group  of  soldiers  who  were 
lounging  about  on  the  ground,  I  glanced  in  at  the 
window,  and  saw  several  officers  seated  around  a 
table,  apparently  engaged  in  earnest  debate.  I 
listened  for  a  few  moments  to  the  conversation  of 
the  men,  and  found  that  I  was  two  miles  inside  of 
the  rebel  lines.  This  knowledge  was  something 
that  would  not  have  pleased  me  had  I  been  alone, 
for  I  was  wholly  unacquainted  with  the  country, 
but,  knowing  that  I  had  a  friend  on  whom  I  could 
rely,  I  looked  upon  it  as  merely  a  little  difficulty, 
from  which  I  could  extricate  myself  as  soon  and 
as  easily  as  I  pleased. 

"I  lounged  about,  picking  up  a  good  deal  of 
information,  until  I  heard  the  relief  called,  and 
knowing  that,  unless  we  beat  a  hasty  retreat,  we 
would  be  discovered,  I  hastened  back  to  the  place 
where  I  had  left  Sam,  and  found  him  industriously 
pacing  his  beat.  I  was  about  to  bring  out  the 
horses,  when  we  heard  the  clatter  of  hoofs  comino' 
up  the  road  from  toward  the  house,  and  I  at  once 
concealed  myself.  The  answer  to  the  challenge 
was  Colonel  Pecknam,  who  was  returning  to  hia 


204  FRANK  BEFORE   YICKSkQRO. 

command.  As  he  was  about  to  pass,  I,  thinking 
that  it  would  not  look  well  to  go  back  to  the  camp 
empty-handed,  sprang  out  of  my  concealment  and 
seized  his  reins,  while  Sam,  who  instantly  com- 
prehended what  was  going  on,  placed  his  bayonet 
against  his  breast. 

"'What  means  this?'  asked  the  colonel. 

"  'Do  n't  talk  so  much,'  replied  Sam.  'A  blind 
man  could  see  that  you  are  a  prisoner.  So  hand 
over  your  weapons,  and  do  n't  make  any  fuss.' 

"As  Sam  spoke,  he  proceeded  to  'sound'  the 
colonel,  and  the  search  resulted  in  the  transfer  of 
two  revolvers  to  his  belt.  Then,  throwing  away 
his  musket  and  cartridge-box,  he  sprang  upon  his 
horse,  which  I  had  by  this  time  brought  out,  and, 
seizing  the  colonel's  reins,  we  started  down  the 
road  at  a  full  gallop. 

"We  had  proceeded  scarcely  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
when  we  heard  several  musket-shots  behind  us, 
and  we  knew  that  the  relief  had  found  No.  9  post 
vacant,  and  were  alarming  the  camp.  Sam,  still 
holding  fast  to  the  colonel's  horse,  at  once  turned 
off  into  the  woods,  through  which  we  with  diffi- 
culty worked  our  way.  At  length,  however,  we 
reached  an   open   field,  which   we   crossed  at  a 


THE  scout's  story.  205 

gallop,  and,  leaping  our  horses  over  the  fence, 
found  ourselves  in  the  road  again.  "We  had 
struck  it  just  outside  of  the  rebel  pickets,  who, 
hearing  us  gallop  away,  fired  at  us ;  but  the  bullets 
all  went  wide  of  the  mark,  and  in  less  than  an 
hour  we  reached  our  own  camp,  and  the  prisoner 
was  delivered  over  to  the  general." 

"  I  could  relate  many  other  adventures  to  you, 
but,  as  I  have  to  go  on  guard  at  midnight,  I  must 
bid  you  good-night." 

So  saying,  he  arose  from  the  ground,  where  he 
had  been  lying,  and  walked  off  toward  his  quar- 
ters. One  by  one  the  soldiers,  who  had  gathered 
about  to  listen  to  his  story,  followed  his  example, 
and  finally  Frank  and  the  ensign  who  had  assisted 
him  in  managing  the  battery,  were  left  alone.  Al- 
though they  had  been  together  but  two  days,  they 
were  on  excellent  terms  with  each  other;  and  as 
Frank  had  learned  that  his  companion  had  run 
by  the  batteries  at  Yicksburg,  he  was  naturally 
anxious  to  hear  the  details.  The  ensign,  at  his 
urgent  solicitation,  then  told  the  story  of  his 
thi'illing  adventures,  which  here  follows. 


206  FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBUREK 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

)r?^\<-NN  obedience  to  orders  from  the  ad- 

';^    miral,"  began  the  ensign,  "  the  Concord, 

with  the  iron-clads,  commenced  making 


preparations  to  run  the  batteries,  by 
greasing  the  casemates  to  glance  shot, 
and  by  protecting  the  machinery  with 
heavy  timbers  and  bales  of  hay.  When 
every  thing  was  ready,  the  long-looked-for  signal 
was  made.  The  vessels  took  their  stations  in  ac- 
cordance with  a  general  order  that  had  been  issued 
a  few  days  previous — the  Concord,  with  a  coal- 
barge  in  tow,  being  the  fourth  in  advance. 

"  As  soon  as  the  anchors  were  weighed,  all 
hands  were  called  to  quarters,  the  ports  closed, 
and  every  light  on  board  the  ship,  except  those  in 
the  magazine  and  shell-rooms,  was  extinguished. 
I  took  my  station  beside  my  men,  who  stood  at 


RUNNING  THE  BATTERIES.         207 

their  guns  as  motionless  as  so  many  statues,  and 
in  that  darkness  awaited  the  issue  of  events,  with 
feelings  that  can  not  be  described.  The  moment 
I  had  so  long  been  dreading  was  fast  approaching. 
Would  I  survive  the  experiment? 

"  As  soon  as  the  vessels  were  fairly  under  way, 
the  engines  were  stopped,  and  we  drifted  along 
with  the  current.  Not  a  sound  was  heard,  except 
the  creaking  of  the'  wheel  as  the  pilot  guided  the 
vessel  down  stream.  I  became  more  and  more 
excited  each  moment,  until  finally  my  suspense 
seemed  greater  than  I  could  bear.  That  awful 
silence  was  worse  than  the  fight  itself.  I  became 
impatient,  and  strode  up  and  down  the  deck,  anx- 
iously waiting  for  the  first  roar  of  a  gun  that 
should  announce  that  our  approach  had  been  dis- 
covered. How  I  longed  to  look  out  and  see  what 
progress  we  were  making !  But  the  ports  had  been 
closed,  with  imperative  orders  that  they  must  not 
be  opened  without  the  captain's  command,  and  I 
was  obliged  to  remain  in  ignorance  of  what  was 
going  on  outside. 

"At  length,  after  remaining  at  our  quarters 
for  nearly  an  hour — to  me  it  seemed  an  age— 
the  loud  roar  of  a  gun  burst  upon  our  ears.     The 


1108  FRANK  BEFORE   YICKSBURG. 

pilot  at  once  rang  the  bell  to  ^go  ahead  strong, 
and  the  puffing  of  the  engines  told  us  that  we 
"were  rapidly  nearing  the  city.  Soon,  from  an- 
other direction,  came  a  second  report,  accompa- 
nied by  a  shell  from  ^Whistling  Dick,'  which  went 
directly  over  our  heads,  and  exploded  far  behind 
us.  This  was  followed,  not  by  the  report  of  a 
single  cannon,  but  by  a  crash,  as  if  all  the  artil- 
lery of  heaven  had  been  let  loose  at  once,  and 
shells  and  solid  shot,  with  a  noise  that  was  almost 
deafening.  It  did  not  seem  possible  that  we 
could  succeed  in  running  by  the  batteries ;  be- 
sides, I  was  very  much  averse  to  being  shut  up 
in  that  manner,  without  the  privilege  of  returning 
shot  for  shot.  The  idea  of  allowing  my  vessel 
to  be  made  a  target  of,  when  so  many  brave  hearts 
were  waiting  impatiently  to  give  as  good  as  they 
received,  did  not  at  all  suit  me. 

"  Until  we  reached  the  city,  the  Concord  es- 
caped unhurt,  and  I  began  to  think  that  our  dan- 
ger was  not  so  great  as  I  had  at  first  supposed, 
when,  just  as  we  arrived  opposite  the  upper  bat- 
teries, a  shot  came  crashing  through  the  sides  of 
the  vessel.  The  deck  was  lighted  up  for  an  in- 
stant with  a   flash,  and   the   groans   and  shrieks 


RtJNNINa   THE    BATTERIES.  209 

that  followed  told  that  it  had  been  too  well  di- 
rected. Confined  as  the  men  were,  in  total  dark- 
ness, where  it  was  impossible  for  a  person  to 
distinguish  those  who  stood  next  to  him,  such  an 
occurrence  was  well  calculated  to  throw  them  into 
confusion.  I  believe  that  every  one  on  deck  was 
frightened,  but  the  order,  'Stand  to  your  guns, 
lads!'  delivered  in  a  firm  voice  by  the  executive 
officer,  at  once  put  an  end  to  the  confusion. 

" '  On  deck,  there ! '  came  thundering  through 
the  trumpet.  'Open  the  ports,  and  return  their 
fire!' 

"How  my  heart  bounded  when  I  heard  that 
order!  And  the  men,  too,  anxious  to  be  on  more 
equal  terms  with  the  enemy,  sprang  at  the  word, 
the  port-shutters  flew  open  with  a  crash,  and  the 
city  of  Yicksburg  burst  upon  our  astonished 
view. 

"  The  rebels  had  profited  'by  their  experience, 
and  instead  of  finding  the  city  shrouded  in  total 
darkness,  as  I  had  expected,  a  glare  equal  to  the 
noonday  sun  lighted  up  both  the  river  and  the 
city,  the  latter  seeming  one  blaze  of  fire.  The 
vessels  in  advance  of  us  were  rapidly  answering 
the  fire  of  the  batteries,  and  the  waters  of  the 
14 


210  FRANK   BEFORE   ^TiCKSBURG. 

river,  usually  so  quiet  and  smooth,  were  plowed 
in  every  direction  by  the  shrieking,  hissing  shells. 
It  was  a  magnificent  sight,  one  upon  which  I 
could  have  gazed  with  rapture,  had  I  been  a  dis- 
interested person;  but,  as  it  was,  I  had  no  time 
to  dwell  upon  it. 

" '  Out  with  those  guns — lively  ! '  shouted  the 
captain.     ^  Give  the  rascals  as  good  as  they  send.' 

"For  half  an  hour  the  fight  continued,  the 
rebels  sending  their  shells  thick  and  fast  about 
our  devoted  vessel,  and  we  directing  our  fire 
against  the  water-batteries,  which  lined  the  shore 
as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  when  suddenly  the 
pilot  rung  the  bell  to  stop,  which  was  followed 
by  a  command  shouted  down  through  the  trumpet 
to  ^Back  her — quick!'  I  scarcely  noticed  the 
circumstance,  until  one  of  my  men  exclaimed,  in 
a  frightened  voice,  ^  We  are  drifting  into  the  bank, 
sir,  right  under  the  batteries  ! ' 

"  The  appalling  fact  was  too  evident.  "We  were 
fast  approaching  the  shore,  and  the  engines  ap- 
peared to  be  working  in  vain  against  the  strong 
current.  A  cry  of  horror  burst  from  the  hps  of 
the  men,  who  deserted  their  guns,  and  made  a 
general  rush  for  the  after  part  of  the  vessel.     1 


RUNNING   THE   BATTERIES.  211 

was  astounded.  Had  the  Concord  been  disabled, 
and  was  the  captain  about  to  run  her  ashore  and 
surrender?  But  I  was  not  allowed  much  time  to 
ask  questions.  The  conduct  of  the  men  recalled 
me  to  my  senses,  and,  after  considerable  difficulty, 
I  succeeded  in  bringing  them  all  back  to  their 
quarters. 

"*The  vessel  must  have  been  surrendered,  sir,' 
said  one  of  the  men. 

"'I  can't  help  that.  I've  received  no  orders 
to  cease  firing.  Let  them  have  it.  Powder-boy, 
bring  two  eight-inch  canister  as  soon  as  possible. 
Run  away  lively,  now.' 

"The  vessel  still  continued  to  approach  the 
bank,  and  several  of  the  nearest  batteries  ceased 
firing,  while  the  rebels,  supposing  that  she  was 
about  to  surrender,  came  running  down  the  bank 
in  crowds,  calling  out: 

" '  Have  you  struck  your  flag  ? ' 

"'No!'  came  the  answer,  in  a  clear,  ringing 
voice,  which  I  knew  belonged  to  the  captain. 
*That  flag  floats  as  long  as  one  plank  of  this 
vessel  remains  above  water ! ' 

"This  reply  was  followed  by  a  shell  from  one 
of  our  broadside  guns,  which  burst  in  the  very 


212  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

midst  of  a  crowd  that  was  preparing  to  board 
the  vessel  the  moment  we  touched  the  bank;  and 
by  this  time  the  Concord  began  to  mind  her 
helm,  and  commenced  moving  from  the  bank. 
The  astonished  rebels  hastily  retreated  to  the 
cover  of  their  breastworks,  and  I  succeeded  iu 
getting  my  guns  loaded  in  time  to  use  the  canis- 
ter upon  them.  The  vessel  soon  got  headed  down 
the  river  again,  and  at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning 
Tre  rounded  to,  out  of  reach  of  the  batteries.  The 
passage  had  been  effected  without  material  dam- 
age to  us,  and  it  was  with  a  light  heart  that  I 
repeated  the  order,  *  Secure  your  guns,  lads!' 
The  battle  was  over,  and  after  the  decks  had  been 
cleared,  and  the  wounded  taken  care  of,  the  dead 
were  laid  out  in  the  engine-room,  and  covered 
with  the  flag  in  defense  of  which  they  had  de- 
livered up  their  lives.  The  weary  sailors  then 
gladly  answered  to  the  order,  ^All  hands  stand 
by  your  hammocks,'  and  I  retired  to  my  room 
almost   exhausted,  but  highly  elated  at  our  glo- 


A  RACE  FOR  THE  OLD  FLAG.       213 


CHAPTER    XV. 

Bu  fer  i\t  @&  Mh§* 

HE  next  clay,"  continued  the  ensign, 
"  the  squadron  again  got  under 
'way  and  steamed  down  the  river, 
and  came  to  anchor  above,  and  almost 
within  range  of,  the  hights  of  Grand 
Gulf.  A  casual  observer  would  hardly 
have  thought  that  the  bluffs  which  arose 
so  majestically,  like  grim  sentinels  watching  over 
the  lesser  hights  around  them,  were  bristling  with 
hostile  batteries,  ready  to  dispute  the  further  ad- 
vance of  the  Union  fleet;  for,  so  carefully  had 
they  been  concealed,  that  nothing  suspicious 
could  be  discovered.  But  we  were  not  deceived. 
We  knew  that  the  trees  which  covered  the  bluffs, 
and  waved  so  gently  back  and  forth  in  the 
breeze,  concealed  fortifications  of  the  most  formi- 
dable kind,  and  that  Union  blood  must  be  shed 


214  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

before  they  could  be  "wrested  from  the  traitorous 
hands  that  had  constructed  them. 

**  During  the  week  of  inactivity  that  followed, 
many  an  impatient  eye  was  directed  toward  the 
hights  which,  now  so  quiet,  were  soon  to  be  dis- 
turbed by  the  noise  and  confusion  of  battle.  At 
length  the  flag-ship  was  seen  approaching,  and 
every  one  was  on  the  alert.  Two  more  days  of 
inactivity  passed,  however;  but  on  the  third  morn- 
ing, just  after  the  crews  had  finished  their  break- 
fast, signal  was  made  to  commence  the  attack. 
The  anchors  were  weighed,  the  men  called  to 
quarters,  and  the  fleet  bore  down  upon  the  rebel 
stronghold,  which  was  soon  enveloped  in  the 
smoke  of  battle. 

"  The  Concord  led  the  advance.  For  two  hours 
the  battle  raged  with  great  fury  on  both  sides, 
the  rebels  stubbornly  holding  their  ground,  in 
spite  of  the  storm  of  shells  that  thinned  their 
ranks  and  tore  up  the  ground  about  them.  Dur- 
incr  this  time  the  Concord  had  ao;ain  become  un- 
manageable,  on  account  of  the  strong  eddies  in 
the  river,  and  had  worked  into  a  position  scarcely 
two  hundred  yards  from  the  batteries,  from  which 
Bhe  could  not  be  extricated.     It  was  impossible 


A  RACE  FOR  TUE  OLD  FLAG.       215 

either  to  advance  or  retreat  without  running  into 
the  bank,  and  if  she  attempted  to  round-to,  her 
destruction  was  certain.  Of  course,  we  below, 
being  busy  fighting  our  guns,  knew  nothing  of  our 
danger ;  but  the  captain,  although  as  brave  a  man 
as  ever  trod  a  ship's  deck,  was  not  a  little  dis- 
mayed when  he  found  himself  in  this  perilous 
situation.  He  did  not  expect  to  bring  his  vessel 
safely  out  of  the  action,  but  he  stood  in  the  pilot- 
house and  issued  his  orders  with  as  much  coolness 
as  though  he  were  going  through  the  regular 
daily  exercise,  instead  of  being  under  the  hottest 
fire  the  enemy  could  rain  upon  his  vessel. 

"In  the  mean  time,  I  had  been  sending  my 
shells  as  rapidly  as  possible  toward  the  rebel 
gunners,  w^hom  I  could  see  moving  about  in  the 
batteries.  Up  to  this  time  not  one  of  my  men 
had  been  injured;  but,  just  as  I  was  in  the  act 
of  sighting  one  of  my  guns,  there  was  a  stunning 
crash,  and  a  vivid  light  shone  for  an  instant  in  my 
eyes,  accompanied  by  a  terrific  explosion.  I  saw 
the  air  filled  with  smoke  and  splinters,  heard  ap- 
palling cries  of  terror  and  anguish,  and  then  all 
was  blank.  A  shell  had  entered  the  casemate 
above  the  port,  killing  and  wounding  several  of 


216  FRANK  BEFORE   VICSSBURG. 

my  crew,  and  a  piece  of  heavy  timber,  "which  had 
been  detached  from  the  bulk-head  by  the  explo- 
sion, struck  me  on  the  head,  and  laid  me  out 
senseless  on  the  deck. 

"When  I  "was  restored  to  consciousness  I  was 
lying  on  a  mattress  in  the  engine-room,  and  anx- 
ious faces  were  bending  over  me.  I  remember  of 
mistaking  the  doctor  and  his  attendants  for  the 
men  belonging  to  my  gun's  crew,  and  imagining 
myself  still  in  battle,  I  gave  the  order  to  *  Train 
that  No.  2  gun  a  little  further  to  the  left,  and 
fire;'  then  I  became  insensible  again. 

"About  the  middle  of  the  afternoon  I  awoke 
from  a  refreshing  slumber,  but,  of  course,  could 
not  imagine  how  I  came  to  be  in  that  situation.  I 
felt  of  my  head,  which  was  covered  with  bandages, 
and  of  my  arm,  which  was  done  up  in  a  sling,  and 
finally  the  remembrance  of  the  scenes  through 
which  I  had  passed  came  back  to  me  like  a 
dream. 

"While  I  was  wondering  how  the  fight  had 
terminated,  and  who  had  come  out  victorious,  a 
sailor,  who  had  been  appointed  to  act  as  my  nurse, 
entered  the  engine-room,  and  approached  the  bed 
on  tip-toe.     From  him  I  learned  that  the  Concord 


A   KACE    FOR   THE   OLD    FLAG.  217 

had  been  under  fire  for  five  hours  and  thirty-five 
minutes ;  that  we  had  been  only  partially  success- 
ful, not  having  silenced  all  the  batteries;  that 
the  fleet,  with  the  exception  of  one  vessel,  which 
was  lying  a  short  distance  above  the  blufi*,  and 
occasionally  sending  a  shell  into  the  batteries  to 
prevent  the  rebels  from  repairing  the  damage 
which  they  had  sufifered,  were  at  their  old  an- 
chorage again;  that  the  Concord  had  been  struck 
thirty-five  times  by  heavy  shot,  but,  although 
quite  badly  cut  up,  was  not  permanently  in- 
jured; and  that  our  vessel  would  soon  be  ready 
for  action  again,  the  entire  crew  being  busily 
engaged  in  repairing  the  damages  she  had  sus- 
tained. 

•'My  head  and  arm  pained  me  considerably; 
but,  being  under  the  influence  of  some  powerful 
medicine  which  the  doctor  had  administered,  I  soon 
fell  asleep,  from  which  I  was  awakened  by  the 
rolling  of  a  drum.  Hastily  starting  up,  I  found  the 
engineers  at  their  stations,  and  I  knew,  by  the 
tramping  of  feet  on  the  deck  above  me,  that  the 
men  were  hurrying  to  their  quarters.  The  'rul- 
ing passion'  was  strong  with  me.  I  had  grown 
80  accustomed  to  yield  prompt  obedience  to  the 


218  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

call  to  quarters,  that  I  quite  forgot  I  "^as  wounded. 
Springing  up,  I  at  once  pulled  on  mj  clothes — an 
operation  which  I  found  rather  diflBcult  on  account 
of  my  wounded  arm — seized  my  sword,  which  lay 
at  the  head  of  the  bed,  sprang  up  the  stairs  that 
led  to  the  main-deck,  and  ran  forward  to  take 
command  of  my  division.  As  I  passed  the  door 
of  the  dispensatory,  I  was  confronted  by  the  sur- 
geon, who,  holding  up  his  hands  in  dismay,  ex- 
claimed : 

"^Mr.  Morton!  Do  you  know  what  you  are 
about  ?     Where  are  you  going  ? ' 

"^  Going  to  quarters,  doctor.  Didn't  you  hear 
that  drum?' 

"'Get  below,  sir,  instantly,'  was  the  doctor's 
answer.  'Get  below!  and  don't  let  me  catch 
you  on  deck  again  until  I  gi\^  you  permission. 
Get  below,  I  tell  you,  sir!'  he  continued,  in  a 
louder  tone,  seeing  that  I  hesitated^  'Haven't 
you  got  sense  enough  to  know  that  you  are  dan- 
gerously wounded?  I  am  surgeon  of  this  ship, 
and  have  authority  to  enforce  my  commands.' 

"  Of  this  I  was  well  aware,  and  I  was  obliged  to 
retrace  my  steps  to  the  engine-room,  where  I  lay 
down  upon  the  bed. 


A  RACE  FOR  TUE  OLD  FLAG.       219 

"  The  morning's  fight  having  convinced  the  ad- 
miral that,  although  the  batteries  had  been  par- 
tially   silenced,    they    could    not    be    completely 
reduced,    without    the    co-operation    of  the    land 
forces,  he   returned  to   his  old  anchorage,  for  the 
purpose  of  convoying  the  transports    which  were 
to  run  by  the  batteries  and  ferry  the  troops  across 
the  river  below.     The  latter  followed  close  in  the 
wake  of  the   gun-boats,  on  which  the   batteries 
opened  quite  as  briskly  as  in  the  morning.     Tho 
iron-clads  replied,  and  under  cover  of  their  fire 
the  transports  passed  the  batteries  in  safety,  after 
which  the  gun-boats  also  ran  by,  and  assisted  in 
carrying  the  troops  across  the  river.     In  this  fight 
the  Concord  was  struck  but  twice,  and  no  one  was 
injured.     As  soon  as  she  had  been  brought  to  an 
anchor,  the  doctor  entered  the  engine-room,  and, 
after  regarding  me  for  a  moment  with  an  expres- 
sion that  I  could  not  understand,  said: 
"^You're  a  nice  one,  ain't  you?' 
'• '  Why,  doctor,  what 's  the  matter  ? '  I  asked. 
" '  You  do  n't  wish  to  get  well,  I  guess.' 
*'  *  0,  yes,  I  do !    But  I  am  not  badly  hurt ;  there 
was  nothing  to  hinder  me  from  taking  my  station.' 
*'*You  will  allow  me  to  be  the  judge  of  that,  if 


2:20  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

jou  please,'  returned  the  doctor.  *But  I  have 
got  a  room  fixed  up  for  you  on  deck.  Do  you 
feel  able  to  walk  up  there?' 

^' ^  Certainly .  I  am  not  hurt,  I  tell  you,  doctor,' 
I  repeated.  *I  can  outrun,  outjump,  or  outlift 
you;  and  yet  you  take  as  much  care  of  me  as 
though  I  was  badly  wounded.' 

"  *  Well,  you  've  got  a  big  hole  in  your  head  any- 
how,' said  the  doctor,  as  he  took  my  arm,  and 
assisted  me  up  the  stairs,  in  spite  of  my  asser- 
tions that  I  was  *able  to  walk  alone.'  *It's  an 
ugly-looking  wound.  Just  take  my  advice  now; 
let  me  put  you  on  the  sick-list  for  a  day  or  two, 
and  you  will  be  all  right.' 

"MYell,  don't  keep  me  on  the  list  any  longer 
than  is  necessary,'  I  answered,  knowing  that  I 
would  be  compelled  to  submit  to  the  doctor's  re- 
quirements, whether  I  wanted  to  or  not.  ^I  do 
detest  a  life  of  inactivity.  I  want  to  be  doing 
something.' 

^'I  was  furnished  with  a  bed  in  the  ward-room, 
for  my  own  quarters  had  been  almost  demohshed 
during  the  late  fights,  and  during  the  two  days 
that  followed,  I  passed  the  time  miserably  enough. 
Every  able-bodied  man  on  board  the  ship  was  en- 


A  RACE   FOn  THE   OLD   FLAG.  221 

gaged  in  repairing  damages,  while  I,  being  closely 
watched  by  the  doctor,  was  obliged  to  remain 
quiet.  My  wounds  troubled  me  very  little.  On 
the  third  day  'iifter  the  fight,  to  my  immense  re- 
lief, my  name  was  taken  off  the.  sick-list,  and  I 
was  allowed  to  return  to  duty. 

"The  next  morning  after  this,  signal  was  made 
from  the  flag-ship  to  get  under  way,  and  resume 
the  attack  upon  the  batteries  at  Grand  Gulf.  As 
we  approached  the  bights,  a  column  of  smoke, 
which  was  seen  arising  over  the  trees,  told  us 
that  the  rebels  had  abandoned  their  fortifications. 
The  gun-boats  touched  the  bank  at  the  foot  of 
the  hill  at  about  the  same  moment;  and,  as  the 
Concord's  bows  touched  the  shore,  the  captain 
thrust  his  head  from  the  pilot-house,  and  shouted: 

" '  Get  ashore  there,  you  sea-cooks !  Get  ashore 
there,  and  hoist  the  Concord's  flag  over  that  fort 
on  the  top  of  the  hill!  Off  you  go — run  like 
quarter  horses!' 

"  The  sailors  did  not  need  a  second  bidding,  but, 
leaving  their  quarters,  they  made  a  general  rush 
for  the  place  where  the  boat-ensigns  were  stowed, 
and  if  one  of  the  men  succeeded  in  securing  a 
flag,   he   was   instantly   seized  by   half  a   dozen 


222  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

others,  who  desperately  struggled  to  wrest  it  from 
him,  that  they  might  have  the  honor  of  planting 
it  upon  the  rebel  hights,  while  he  struggled  as 
furiously  to  retain  it.  All  discipline  was  at  an 
end.  The  sailors,  'wild  with  excitement,  were 
struggling  and  shouting  below,  while  the  captain 
stood  on  the  quarter-deck,  almost  beside  himself, 
for  fear  that  his  men  would  be  behind,  for  the 
crews  of  each  vessel  were  jumping  ashore,  bearing 
in  their  hands  the  flags  which  they  had  determ- 
ined to  plant  upon  the  deserted  fortifications. 

"I  stood  at  the  hatchway,  looking  down  upon 
the  struggling  crew  beneath,  regretting  that  my 
wounded  arm — which  still  continued  to  pain  me  at 
intervals — prevented  me  from  entering  as  a  com- 
petitor, when  I  was  aroused  by; 

"  ^  Mr.  Morton  !     I  know  you  want  this,  sir.' 

"I  turned,  and  found  one  of  the  quarter-masters 
holding  out  a  flag  to  me. 

"  *  Certainly  I  want  it,'  I  answered.  ^  Thank 
you ; '  and  seizing  the  flag,  I  sprang  upon  the  ham- 
mock-nettings. At  this  moment  the  doctor  dis- 
covered me,  and  shouted: 

*'*Mr.  Morton,  what  are  you  about,  sir?  Re- 
member, I  only  put  you  on  light  duty.     It  will 


A  RACE  FOR  THE  OLD  FLAG.       223 

be  the  death  of  you,  if  jou  attempt  to  run  up 
that  hill." 

"But  I  was  excited,  and,  without  waiting  to  an- 
swer, sprang  overboard.  I  was  so  anxious  to  be 
first,  that  I  could  not  waste  time  to  go  below,  and 
leave  the  ship  in  a  proper  manner.  The  moment 
I  touched  the  water,  I  struck  out  for  the  shore, 
and  as  I  clambered  up  the  bank,  I  found  crowds 
of  men  from  each  vessel  running  at  the  top  of 
their  speed  toward  the  hill,  all  bent  on  planting 
the  glorious  old  flag  on  the  pinnacle,  for  the  pos- 
session of  which  tl  }j  had  fought  so  long  and 
desperately.  But  far  in  advance  of  all  of  them 
I  saw  one  of  the  engineers  of  the  Concord.  I 
was  both  pleased  and  annoyed  at  this — pleased 
that  the  ship  to  which  I  belonged  should  have  the 
honor  of  hoisting  the  Stars  and  Stripes  over  the 
rebel  stronghold,  and  annoyed  that  I  could  not 
be  the  person  who  was  to  raise  it.  But  it  was 
not  my  disposition  to  be  discouraged.  As  I  had 
few  equals  in  running,  I  determined  to  overtake 
the  engineer,  and,  if  possible,  to  beat  him. 

"As  soon  as  I  reached  the  top  of  the  bank,  I 
commenced  running,  and  was  soon  ahead  of  many 
of  those  who  were  far  in  advance  of  me  when  I 


224  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

started.  The  engineer,  in  the  mean  time,  also 
proved  that  he  was  no  mean  runner ;  and  the  little 
flaor  TN'hich  he  carried  over  his  shoulder  moved 
far  up  the  mountain,  dancing  about  among  the 
rocks  and  bushes  like  a  vrill-o'-the-wisp,  seeming 
to  recede  as  I  advanced.  Soon  I  had  passed  all 
of  my  competitors  with  the  exception  of  this  one, 
and  the  race  was  now  between  us.  Up,  up  we 
ran.  I  soon  discovered  that  I  was  gaining  at 
every  step.  Presently  I  was  so  close  to  him  that 
I  could  hear  his  quick,  heavy  breathing.  We 
were  rapidly  nearing  the  fort  that  crowned  the 
crest  of  the  hill,  and  I  redoubled  my  exertions. 
The  engineer  did  likewise.  It  seemed  as  though 
the  sight  of  those  battered  fortifications  had  in- 
fused new  life  into  him,  for  he  ran  at  a  rate  that 
astonished  me;  and  when  I  reached  the  top  of 
the  hill  the  httle  banner  had  been  planted  on  the 
breastworks,  and  my  rival  lay  on  the  ground, 
panting  and  exhausted.  Cheers,  long  and  loud, 
burst  from  the  gallant  band  standing  at  the  foot 
of  the  hill,  who  had  been  interested  spectators  of 
our  movements,  and  their  shouts  were  answered 
with  redoubled  energy  by  the  crew  of  the  Con- 
cord, who,  in  their  joy  at  seeing  their  own  flag 


A  RACE  FOR  THE  OLD  FLAG.       225 

planted  on  the  fort  by  one  of  their  own  oJEcers, 
forgot  all  the  sacrifices  they  had  made  to  accom- 
plish that  end. 

"In  a  short  time  the  hights  were  covered  with 
men,  who  busied  themselves  in  completing  the  de- 
struction which  the  rebels  had  commenced.  At 
dark  all  returned  on  board  their  respective  vessels, 
which  moved  out  into  the  stream  a  short  distance, 
and  anchored.  I  paid  dearly  for  my  foolishness 
in  jumping  overboard,  and  then  running  that  dis- 
tance in  the  hot  sun ;  for  two  days  after  that  I 
was  confined  to  my  bed,  and  finally,  at  the  doc- 
tor's suggestion,  I  was  dumped  into  an  ambulance 
and  sent  by  land  to  the  hospital-ship.  I  was  well 
again  in  two  weeks,  and  learning  that  a  naval 
battery  was  to  be  mounted  on  shore,  volunteered 
to  assist  in  working  it,  received  permission,  and 
am  ready  to  face  any  new  dangers  for  the  sake 
of  the  old  flag." 

The  next  day,  while  Frank  and  his  compan- 
ion were  fighting  the  battery,  the  former  was  sur- 
prised by  the  appearance  of  a  strange  officer,  who 
brought  orders  for  him  to  report  on  board  his 
vessel  without  delay.  He  obeyed  the  summons, 
15 


226  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

and  found  that  the  Trenton  had  been  ordered  up 
the  Yazoo  River,  and  that  he  had  been  sent  for 
to  take  charge  of  a  division  whose  commanding 
officer  had  been  sent  to  the  hospital.  As  soon  as 
he  arrived  on  board,  the  vessel  was  got  under 
Tvay,  and,  in  company  with  the  flag-ship  and  sev- 
eral gun-boats,  which  they  found  waiting  for  them 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Yazoo  River,  they  started 
toward  Haines'  Bluff.  The  report  was,  the  attack 
was  to  be  a  *  feigned'  one,  but  Frank  thought, 
from  the  pounding  the  Trenton  received,  that  it 
mio:ht  as  well  have  been  a  real  one. 

The  fight  was  continued  until  dark,  when  the 
vessels  dropped  down  out  of  range  of  the  bat- 
teries and  anchored. 


THE  RIVAL   SHARP-SHOOTERS. 


227 


CHAPTER   XVL 


;|ie  Silbd  Mnrp-M^oil^o. 


BOUT  half-past  four  o'clock,  on 
the  succeeding  morning,  just  after 
Frank  had  come  off  watch,  and  was 
dozing  in  his  berth,  he  was  awakened 
by  a  loud  crash.  Starting  up,  he 
p  discovered  his  looking-glass  in  frag- 
ments, and  the  pieces  scattered  about 
over  the  floor.  While  he  was  wondering  what 
could  have  been  the  cause  of  the  accident,  he 
happened  to  discover  that  the  bulk-head  behind 
the  looking-glass  was  splintered,  which  looked 
very  much  as  though  it  had  been  done  by  a 
musket-shot ;  and,  at  the  same  instant,  he  heard 
a  shrill  whistle,  with  which  he  was  perfectly  fa- 
miliar. He  also  heard  a  rusthng  in  the  bunk 
above  him,  and  Mr.  Williams,  his  room-mate, 
sprang  suddenly  upon  the  floor,  exclaiming : 


228  FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURG. 

"  My  goodness,  Mr.  Kelson !  the  rebels  are 
Bhooting  at  ws." 

"  I  see  thej  are,"  answered  Frank,  coolly,  as 
he  slowly  arose  from  his  berth  and  commenced 
di'awing  on  his  pants;  "just  see  our  looking- 
glass  !  But  where  are  you  going  ? "  he  asked, 
finding  that  his  room-mate  was  frantically  gath- 
ering up  his  clothing. 

"  I  'm  going  to  get  below  as  soon  as  I  can," 
was  the  answer.  "  Do  n't  you  know  that  this 
room  is  n't  iron-clad  ?  " 

"Yes,  I  know  that.    But  what's  your  hurry?" 

Mr.  WilKams  did  not  stop  to  reply,  but,  having 
collected  all  his  clothing,  opened  the  door  and 
sprang  out  on  deck.  One  bound  carried  him  to 
the  gangway  that  led  to  the  main-deck,  and  in  a 
moment  more  he  had  disappeared.  Frank  was 
laughing  heartily  at  the  comical  figure  his  timid 
room-mate  had  cut,  when  another  shot  came 
crashing  through  the  bulk-head,  and  lodged  in  the 
mattress  in  the  berth  above  him,  showing  how 
narrow  had  been  Mr.  Williams's  escape.  This 
made  him  think  that  he  also  had  better  be  get- 
ting below.  He  waited,  however,  until  he  was  en- 
tirely dressed,  and  then  walked  slowly  out  on  the 


THE   RIVAL   SHARP-SHOOTERS.  229 

quarter-deck,  and  took  refuge  behind  the  wheel- 
house,  intending  to  make  himself  acquainted  "with 
the  nature  of  the  attack  before  going  below.  The 
officer  of  the  deck  and  the  quarter-master  on 
watch  were  the  only  persons  in  sight,  and  they, 
too,  were  standing  behind  the  wheel-house  for 
protection. 

"  What  seems  to  be  the  matter,  Mr.  Martin  ? 
Are  we  likely  to  have  a  brush?" 

"  0  no,"  answered  the  latter ;  "  a  few  rebels 
have  taken  possession  of  the  battery  from  which 
we  drove  them  yesterday,  and  are  trying  to  pick 
some  of  us  off.  Did  you  see  ^Nuisance'  when  he 
came  out  of  his  room  ?  He  ran  like  a  streak,  but 
came  very  near  being  winged,  for  a  ball  struck 
the  deck  not  six  inches  from  him." 

At  this  moment  the  captain  appeared,  and  went 
into  the  pilot-house,  that  he  might  investigate  mat- 
ters without  running  the  risk  of  being  struck  by 
the  bullets.  He  had  scarcely  closed  the  door, 
when  a  ball  carried  away  the  latch.  Had  he  beei: 
a  moment  later,  he  would  certainly  have  been  killed. 

"  A  close  shave,"  said  he,  with  a  laugh.  Then 
raising  one  of  the  windows  of  the  pilot-house,  ho 
Bhouted,  "  On  deck,  there ! " 


230  FRANK  BEFORE   YICKSBURG. 

"Ay,  ay,  sii',"  ansvrered  Mr.  Martin. 

"  Get  under  cover  as  quickly  as  possible ;  and, 
Mr.  Nelson,  see  if  you  can  throw  a  few  shells 
among  those  fellows,  and  drive  them  out  of  there." 

It  was  not  an  easy  task  to  get  under  cover,  for, 
the  moment  they  showed  themselves,  the  bullets 
whistled  about  them  like  hail-stones.  But,  after 
dodojino;  from  one  stanchion  to  another,  asinf^  even 
the  sky-lights  for  concealment,  they  succeeded 
in  reaching  the  main-deck,  where  they  were  safe. 
Frank  ran  into  the  turret,  while  Mr.  Martin  and 
the  quarter-master  dived  down  the  hatchway,  and 
ran  up  into  the  pilot-house. 

"Turn  out,  you  first  division,  and  cast  loose 
that  No.  2  gun,"  shouted  Frank,  as  he  reached 
the  gun-deck,  where  the  crew  were  still  sleeping 
soundly  in  their  hammocks.  "  Turn  out  lively, 
lads." 

The  men  at  once  sprang  out  of  their  comfortable 
beds,  and,  as  soon  as  the  deck  was  cleared  of  the 
hammocks,  the  gun  was  cast  loose.  A  moment 
afterward,  a  hundred-pound  shot  plunged  into  the 
battery,  raising  a  cloud  of  dust;  but  the  rebels 
had  seen  the  flash  of  the  gun  in  time  to  throw 
themselves  behind  the  embankment  and  escape. 


THE   RIVAL    SHARP-SHOOTERS.  231 

"  On  deck,  there,"  shouted  the  captain,  through 
the  trumpet.  "That  was  very  well  done.  Try 
theni  again,  and  fire  a  little  higher,  and  a  trifle 
further  to  the  left." 

"Very  good,  sir,"  shouted  Frank,  in  reply;  and 
the  gun  was  again  pointed,  and  another  breach 
was  made  in  the  battery,  but  a  loud,  derisive  shout 
was  sent  back  in  reply,  showing  that  the  shot  had 
been  without  effect. 

For  nearly  an  hour  the  fight  was  kept  up, 
Frank  using  his  gun  as  rapidly  as  possible,  and 
the  rebels  replying  with  their  bullets,  which  rat- 
tled harmlessly  against  the  Trenton's  iron  mail, 
until  the  captain,  finding  that  it  was  impossible  to 
dislodge  them,  gave  the  order  to  cease  firing. 

As  soon  as  Frank  had  seen  the  gun  secured,  he 
left  the  deck  and  went  into  the  ward-room.  It  was 
filled  with  officers,  who  had  been  awakened  by  the 
firing,  and  were  engaged  in  an  animated  conversa^ 
tion  on  the  probabilities  of  having  breakfast. 

"  If  the  rebels  continue  to  shoot  at  us,  I  do  n't 
know  what  you  can  do,  gentlemen,"  said  the  ca- 
terer. "  You  know  that  the  galley  is  on  deck,  and 
X  can't  send  the  cook  up  there,  where  he  will  be  in 
danger  of  his  life.     When  you  get  hungry  you 


232  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURQ. 

will  find  plenty  of  hard-tack  and  pickles  in  the 
paymaster's  store-rooms." 

"  0  no,"  said  the  executive  officer,  ^'  I  am  not 
going  without  my  breakfast.     There's  no  danger." 

"If  you  will  go  on  deck,  anil  remain  there  five 
minutes,"  said  the  caterer,  *'  I  '11  agree  to  cook 
some  breakfast  for  you." 

The  proposition  was  accepted  by  the  executive 
officer,  and  the  two  men  went  on  deck,  and  walked 
toward  the  galley.  They  reached  it  in  safety, 
when  the  executive  said,  triumphantly: 

"What  do  you  think  now?  I  told  you  there 
was  no  danger." 

A  loud  crash  cut  short  his  words,  and  a  bullet 
entered  the  galley,  and  glancing  from  the  stove, 
struck  the  opposite  bulk-head,  where  it  remained 
firmly  imbedded  in  the  wood. 

"That  will  do,  I  guess,"  said  the  executive, 
hastily  retreating  toward  the  hatchway.  "You 
needn't  mind  about  sending  the  boys  up  here  to 
cook  breakfast." 

The  two  officers  made  the  best  of  their  way 
back  to  the  ward-room,  where  they  enjoyed  a  very 
good  meal  on  some  provisions  that  had  been 
brought   up  out   of  the  paymaster's  store-rooms. 


IHE    RIVAL    SHARP-SHOOTERS.  233 

They  then  went  into  the  pilot-house  to  watch  the 
movements  of  the  rebels  in  the  battery.  The  lat- 
ter, finding  that  their  fire  was  no  longer  returned, 
took  no  precautions  to  conceal  themselves,  but 
arose  to  their  full  hight  when  they  fired  their 
muskets,  and  even  stood  on  the  battery,  waving 
their  hats,  as  if  inviting  a  shot.  Frank  watched 
them  until  he  could  stand  it  no  longer,  and  then 
ran  down  below,  to  ask  the  captain's  permission  to 
return  the  fire. 

^'Look  out  there!"  exclaimed  that  gentleman, 
as  Frank  entered  the  cabin.  "  The  first  thinor 
you  know" 

He  was  interrupted  by  the  report  of  a  musket, 
so  loud  that  it  seemed  scarcely  a  stone's  throw 
distant.  A  bullet  came  whistling  into  one  of  the 
ports,  barely  missing  Frank,  and  lodged  in  the  cap- 
tain's pantry,  where  a  crashing  among  the  crockery 
told  that  the  ball  had  not  been  altogether  thrown 
away.  Another  shot  followed  close  after  it,  but 
Frank  had  dodged  behind  the  bulk-head,  and  was 
safe. 

The  captain  was  emphatically  in  a  state  of 
siege.  His  cabin  was  in  the  extreme  after-part 
of  the  vessel,  and  in  it  were  two  port-holes,  Thich 


234  PRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURO. 

were  open.  Two  sharp-shooters  had  taken  up  a 
position  on  the  bank,  where  thej  could  see  into 
the  cabin,  and  had  compelled  the  captain  to  leave 
the  desk  where  ho  had  been  writing,  and  take 
refuge  behind  the  bulk-head.  He  was  taking  mat- 
ters very  coolly,  however,  being  stretched  out  on 
a  sofa,  engaged  in  reading  a  newspaper. 

"Mr.  Nelson,"  said  he,  with  a  laugh,  "if 
many  more  of  you  officers  enter  this  cabin,  I  shall 
be  a  ruined  man.  Every  shot  that  comes  in  here 
goes  slap  into  that  pantry,  and  I  don't  suppose  I 
have  a  whole  piece  of  crockery  left.  What  did 
you  wish  ?  " 

"I  came,  sir,  to  ask  permission  to  take  one  of 
your  Spencer  rifles,"  answered  Frank.  "I  be- 
lieve I  can  drive  those  rascals  away  from  there," 
he  added,  glancing  through  the  port. 

"Very  well,  you  may  try.  But  I  don't  bother 
my  head  about  them.  They  can't  shoot  through 
this  bulk -head,  that's  certain.  However,  it  makes 
me  feel  rather  uncomfortable  to  know  that  I  can't 
get  out  of  here  without  running  the  risk  of  being 
shot;"  and  the  captain  stretched  himself  on  the 
sofa  again,  and  resumed  his  reading. 

After  considerable  dodging,  during  which   two 


THE   RIVAL   SHARP-SnOOTERg.  235 

more  bullets  were  lodged  in  the  captam's  pantry,  to 
the  no  small  disgust  of  that  gentleman,  Frank  suc- 
ceeded in  securing  a  rifle  and  cartridge-box  from 
one  of  the  racks  in  the  cabin,  and  concealing  him- 
self behind  the  bulk-head,  thrust  his  gun  carefully 
cut  of  the  port,  and  waited  for  a  shot. 

The  bank  was  scarcely  fifty  feet  distant,  but 
for  a  long  time  not  a  rebel  showed  himself,  and 
Frank  had  about  come  to  the  conclusion  that  they 
had  given  up  the  fight,  when  he  noticed  a  small 
gully,  scarcely  a  foot  wide,  that  ran  down  to  the 
water's  edge,  and  in  that  gully  he  saw  the  top 
of  a  head,  and  afterward  discerned  a  pair  of  eyes 
that  were  looking  straight  into  the  port.  It  was 
a  small  mark  to  shoot  at,  but  Frank  had  killed 
squirrels  at  that  distance  many  a  time;  so,  care- 
fully raising  his  rifle,  he  took  a  quick  aim,  and 
fired,  confident  that  there  was  one  rebel  less  in 
the  world.  The  ball  landed  in  the  bank,  and 
raised  a  cloud  of  dust  that  for  a  moment  concealed 
the  efi'ect  of  the  shot ;  but  it  had  scarcely  cleared 
away,  when  a  puff  of  smoke  arose  from  the  gully, 
and  another  bullet  whizzed  past  Frank's  head,  and 
landed  among  the  captain's  crockery,  showing  that 
the  rebel    still  maintained   his    position.     Frank 


236  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

cautiously  looked  out,  and  saw  the  rebel  hastily 
reloading  his  gun;  but,  before  he  could  give  him 
another  shot,  the  deadly  rifle  was  thrust  over  the 
bank,  in  readiness  for  another  trial. 

^'0,  I'm  here  yet,  Yank!"  shouted  the  rebel, 
as  he  saw  Frank  regarding  him  as  if  ho  could 
scarcely  believe  his  eyes.  "I'm  here!  and  you 
want  to  keep  close,  or  down  comes  your  meat- 
house.     This  'ere  rifle  shoots  right  smart." 

As  he  ceased  speaking,  Frank  again  fired  at 
him,  but  with  no  better  success  than  before,  for 
the  rebel  answered  the  shot,  and  dodged  back  into 
the  gully  to  reload.  For  two  hours  this  singular 
contest  was  maintained,  and  Frank  was  both  as- 
tonished and  provoked  at  his  poor  workmanship; 
still  he  would  have  continued  the  fight,  had  not  the 
rebel  coolly  announced — "It's  grub-time,  Yank. 
We'll  try  it  again  this  afternoon." 

The  fellow's  impudence  was  a  source  of  a  great 
deal  of  merriment  on  the  part  of  the  captain,  who 
laughed  heartily  at  his  remarks,  and  forgot  the 
loss  he  had  sustained  in  his  crockery. 

"Captain,"  said  Frank,  as  soon  as  he  was  cer- 
tain that  the  rebel  had  gone,  "  it 's  a  good  time  to 
close  those  ports  now." 


THE   RIVAL   SEARP-SnOOTERS.  237 

"Don't  go  near  them.  I  won't  trust  the  vil- 
lains. Tell  the  officers  that  they  are  at  liberty 
to  return  the  fire,  but  that  they  must  not  waste 
too  much  ammunition." 

Frank  went  into  the  ward-room,  and,  after  de- 
livering the  captain's  order,  deposited  his  gun  in 
the   corner.     While   making   a  hearty  dinner  on 
hard-tack  and  salt  pork,  he  related  the  incidents 
of  his  fight  with  the  rebel,  which  was  listened  to 
with  interest  by  all   the  officers  present.      After 
finishing  his  meal  he  went  on  deck  to  get  a  letter 
which   he  had  commenced  writing  to  his  cousin, 
intending,  as  soon  as  the  firing  recommenced,  to 
renew   the    battle.     Not   a   shot  had    been   fired 
since   the  rebel  left  the  gully,  and  when  Frank 
walked  across  the  deck  and  entered  his  room,  not 
a  rebel  was  in  sight.     He  took  the   letter  from 
his   trunk,  and   was   preparing   to   return    below, 
when  a  bullet  crashed  through  the  bulk-head,  and, 
striking  his  wash-bowl,  shivered  it  into  fragments. 
This  seemed  to  be  a  signal  for  a  renewal  of  the 
fight,  for  the  bullets  whistled  over  the  ship  in  a 
perfect  shower.     Frank   sprang   to  his  feet,   and 
waited   rather   impatiently  for  an  opportunity  to 
make  his  way  below;  but  none  ofi'ered.     As   he 


238  FRAXK   BEFORE  VICKSBURG. 

opened  the  door  of  his  room,  he  heard  a  sharp 
report,  that  he  could  easily  distinguish  from  the 
rest,  accompanied  by  a  familiar  whistle,  and  a 
bullet,  Tvhich  seemed  to  come  from  the  stern  of 
the  vessel,  sped  past  him,  striking  the  pilot-house, 
and  glancing  upward  with  a  loud  shriek;  at  the 
same  instant  several  more  from  the  battery  whis- 
tled by,  too  close  for  comfort. 

It  was  evident  that  the  rebels  had  seen  him 
enter  his  room,  and  knowing  that  his  only  chance 
for  escape  was  across  the  deck,  had  determined  to 
keep  him  a  close  prisoner.  But  why  did  they  not 
fire  through  the  bulk -head  ?  Perhaps  they  thought 
that  it,  like  the  rest  of  the  ship,  was  ii'on-clad, 
and  preferred  waiting  for  him  to  come  out,  rather 
than  to  waste  their  lead.  But  Frank,  who  knew 
that  the  sides  of  his  room  were  only  thin  boards, 
which  could  afford  him  no  protection  whatever 
from  the  bullets  of  his  enemies,  was  not  blessed 
with  the  most  comfortable  thoughts.  To  go  out 
was  almost  certain  death,  for,  although  he  might 
escape  the  bullets  of  the  rebels  in  the  battery, 
there  was  his  rival  of  the  morning  in  the  gully, 
who  handled  his  rifle  with  remarkable  skill  To 
remain  was  hardly  less   dangerous,  for  a  bullet 


THE   RIVAL   SHARP-SnOOTERS.  239 

might  at  any  time  enter  his  room  and  put  an  end 
to  his  existence. 

"Well,  I'm  in  a  nice  fix,"  he  soliloquized; 
"I've  often  heard  of  treeing  bears,  raccoons,  and 
other  animals,  but  I  never  before  heard  of  an 
officer  being  treed  in  his  own  room,  and  on  board 
his  own  ship.  I  don't  like  to  go  out  on  deck, 
and  have  those  bullets  whizzing  by  my  head  and 
calling  me  ^  cousin ;'  besides,  I  shall  certainly  be 
shot,  for  there's  that  fellow  in  the  gully,  and  I 
know  he's  an  excellent  marksman.  I've  got  to 
stay  here  for  awhile,  that's  evident.  If  I  ever 
get  out,  I'll  make  somebody*sweat  for  this.  I 
"wish  I  had  my  gun;  but,  as  I  am  here  unarmed, 
I  must  find  some  kind  of  a  protection."  So  say- 
ing, he  snatched  the  mattresses  from  the  beds, 
and,  lying  on  the  floor,  placed  one  on  each  side 
of  him  as  a  barricade.  He  remained  in  this  po- 
sition until  almost  night,  the  bullets  all  the  while 
Bhrieking  over  the  deck,  and  making  music  most 
unpleasant  to  his  ears.  At  length  the  firing 
besan  to  slacken,  and  Frank  determined  to  make 
another  efibrt  to  get  below.  It  was  not  a  long 
distance  to  the  gangway  that  led  to  the  main-deck, 
but  there  was  that  fellow  in  the  gully   who  still 


240  FRANK  BEFORE  VICKSBURG. 

maintained  the  figtt,  as  an  occasional  crash  in  tho 
pantry  proved,  and  Frank  had  a  ■wholesome  fear 
of  him.  He  resolved,  however,  to  make  the  at- 
tempt, and,  waiting  until  the  rebel  had  fired  his 
gun,  he  threw  open  the  door,  when  a  few  hasty 
steps  carried  him  below.  He  heard  a  loud  shout 
as  he  ran,  and  knew  that  the  rebel  had  seen  him. 

At  dark  the  firing  ceased  altogether;  and  after 
supper — the  only  cooked  meal  they  had  had  dur- 
ing the  day — the  officers  assembled  on  deck  to 
enjoy  the  cool  breeze,  for  the  heat  below  had  been 
almost  intolerable.  It  was  late  when  they  retired, 
but  it  is  needless  ta  say  that  those  who  had  rooms 
on  the  quarter-deck  slept  in  the  mess-rooms. 

The  next  morning,  just  as  every  one  had  ex- 
pected, the  firing  was  again  renewed  by  the  rebels 
in  the  battery,  and  it  was  at  once  answered  by 
some  of  the  younger  officers  of  the  ship,  who 
cracked  away,  whether  an  enemy  was  in  sight  or 
not.  Frank  had  not  been  able  to  get  the  thought 
of  that  rebel  sharp-shooter  out  of  his  mind.  The 
audacity  he  had  displayed  in  taking  up  a  position 
so  close  to  the  vessel,  and  the  skill  with  which  he 
handled  his  rifle,  excited  his  admiration,  and  he 
determined  that,  should  he  again  take  up  the  same 


THE  RIVAL   SHARP-SHOOTERS.  241 

po«Uion,  he  would  renew  his  attempt  to  dislodge 
him.  He,  however,  took  no  part  in  the  fight  until 
he  came  oflf  watch  at  noon.  He  then  provided 
liimself  with  a  rifle,  and,  after  considerable  trouble, 
Bucceeded  in  getting  into  the  wheel-house,  the 
lower  part  of  which,  being  built  of  thick  timbers, 
would  easily  resist  a  bullet,  and  here  he  settled 
down,  determined  to  fight  his  enemy  as  long  as 
he  had  a  charge  of  powder  left. 

The  rebel  was  in  his  old  position,  concealed 
as  usual,  and,  as  the  cabin  ports  had  been  closed, 
he  was  directing  his  fire  toward  the  pilot-house. 
He  was,  of  course,  not  aware  that  Frank  had 
changed  his  base  of  operations;  but  he  did  not 
long  Remain  ignorant  of  the  fact,  for  the  latter 
coiTmenced  the  fight  without  ceremony. 

As  nearly  every  officer  on  board  the  vessel 
was  engaged  in  fighting  the  rebels,  the  one  in 
question  could  not  determine  whence  the  shot 
came.  He  drew  back  for  a  moment,  and  then 
thrust  his  head  carefully  out,  to  reconnoiter. 
Frank,  who  could  fire  seven  shots  without  stop- 
ping to  reload,  was  ready  for  him,  and  another 
bulTet  sped  toward  the  mark,  but,  as  usual,  with 
no  more  effect  than  throwing  up  a  cloud  of  dust- 
16 


242  FRANK   BEFORE    VICKSBURQ. 

This  time,  however,  the  rebel  saw  where  it  came 
from,  and  a  moment  afterward  a  ball  was  buried 
in  the  thick  timbers,  scarcely  an  inch  from  the 
place  where  Frank  was  cautiously  looking  out, 
watching  the  motions  of  his  rival. 

From  his  new  position,  Frank  found  that  the 
rebel,  after  he  had  fired  his  gun,  was  obliged  to 
turn  over  on  his  back  to  reload,  and  he  determined 
that,  if  he  could  not  dislodge  him,  he  would  at 
least  put  it  out  of  his  power  to  do  any  further 
mischief.  So,  when  the  rebel  exposed  his  arm, 
as  he  was  in  the  act  of  ramming  down  the  charge, 
he  fired  at  him  again.  The  latter,  ignorant  of  the 
fact  that  his  opponent  had  a  seven-shooter,  now 
redoubled  his  efforts,  and  made  all  haste  to  re- 
load his  gun;  but  again  did  a  bullet  strike  in  the 
bank  close  beside  him,  and  cover  him  with  a 
shower  of  dust.  This  seemed  to  puzzle  the  rebel, 
for  he  raised  his  head  and  gazed  intently  toward 
the  place  where  his  enemy  was  concealed.  That 
move  was  fatal  to  him.  Scarcely  three  inches  of 
his  head  was  exposed;  but  the  bullet  went  straight 
to  the  mark — the  rebel  rolled  down  the  bardi,  and 
the  deadly  rifle  fell  from  his  hands. 


THE   SMUGGLERS     CAVE. 


243 


CHAPTER   XVII 


OM,"  said  Frank,  addressing  himself 
to  the  quarter-mastei,  as  the  two 
were  standing  their  watch  that 
evening,  "how  came  you  to  go  to  sea?" 
"I  was  born  a  sailor,  sir,"  answered 
the  man.  "  My  father,  and  my  grand- 
father before  him,  followed  the  sea  for 
a  livelihood.  They  were  smugglers,  living  among 
the  rocks  and  crags  on  the  southern  coast  of 
England. 

"  My  home  was  not  such  a  one  as  would  have 
suited  you,  sir ;  but  it  was  a  pleasant  place  to  me, 
and  I  often  look  back  to  the  days  of  my  boy- 
hood, although  passed  amid  scenes  of  danger,  as 
the  happiest  ones  of  my  life.  Our  house,  as  we 
called  it,  was  a  cave  in  the  side  of  a  high  mount- 
ain, at  the  foot  of  which  was  a  long,  narrow,  and 


244  FRANK   BEFORE   VICKSBURG. 

rocky  passage,  that  led  to  the  ocean.  At  the 
end  of  this  passage,  next  to  the  mountain,  was  a 
small  but  deep  bay,  where  a  vessel  could  ride  at 
anchor  in  safety  without  being  seen  by  any  one 
outside.  In  front  of  the  cave  was  a  small  grass 
plat,  which  overlooked  a  vast  extent  of  sea  and 
land,  and  from  which  the  distant  shores  of  France 
could  be  seen.  This  was  my  post,  where  I  sat 
many  a  night,  watching  for  the  return  of  my 
father,  who  was  the  captain  of  the  smugglers.  It 
"was  my  business  to  watch  for  revenue-cutters, 
and  to  give  the  signal  of  danger  in  case  any  ap- 
peared off  the  coast  at  the  time  father  was  ex- 
pected to  return. 

^'It  would  have  been  a  lonely  watch  in  that 
cave  for  one  who  was  not  accustomed  to  it,  for  I 
never  had  a  companion ;  but,  having  been  brought 
up  to  that  kind  of  a  Hfe,  I  was  never  at  a  loss  to 
know  how  to  pass  away  the  time.  The  fishing  in 
the  basin  was  excellent,  and  I  had  a  small  boat,  the 
exact  model  of  my  father's  Httle  schooner,  with 
which  I  sometimes  amused  myself  for  hours  to- 
gether in  running  in  and  out  of  the  channel,  which, 
owing  to  its  rocky  nature,  was  very  difficult  of 
passage.    It  was  here  that  the  cutters  were  always 


245 

given  the  slip.  Father  never  approached  the 
coast  except  during  the  night,  and  many  a  time 
have  I  seen  the  swift  Httle  schooner  come  bound- 
ing over  the  "waves,  with  every  stitch  of  her  can- 
vas stretched,  followed  close  in  her  wake  by  a 
cutter.  The  latter  would  be  certain  of  his  prize 
when  he  saw  the  schooner  heading  straight  toward 
the  rocks;  but,  the  first  thing  he  knew,  the  smug- 
gler would  be  out  of  sight  in  the  channel.  No 
light  was  necessary,  for  father  knew  every  inch  of 
the  ground,  and  before  the  man-o'-war  could  lower 
his  boats  and  discover  the  place  where  his  prize 
had  so  mysteriously  disappeared,  father  would 
have  his  goods  landed,  and,  ere  the  cutter  was 
aware  of  it,  he  would  run  out  of  the  channel  under 
his  very  nose,  and  make  all  sail  for  France.  No 
one  outside  of  the  band  was  ever  known  to  enter 
the  channel;  for,  even  in  broad  daylight,  a  person 
would  have  declined  making  the  trial,  as  the  waves 
dashed  and  roared  among  the  rocks  in  a  manner 
that  seemed  to  threaten  destruction  to  any  thing 
that  came  within  their  reach. 

*'  The  schooner  was  several  times  overhauled 
and  boarded  while  at  sea,  but  father  never  lost  a 
cargo.     He  always  succeeded  in  fooling  the  reve- 


246  FRANK  BEFORE   VICHSBURG. 

nue  chaps  in  some  manner.  I  remember  one  time 
in  particular,  when  I  made  a  trip  on  board  the 
schooner  as  mate.  We  made  the  run  in  our  usual 
time,  easily  eluding  the  cutters  that  were  watching 
us,  and  arrived  off  the  coast  of  France  with  every- 
thing in  order.  One  dark  night  we  landed  our 
goods,  and,  after  receiving  our  money,  we  ran 
down  to  a  little  town,  to  purchase  some  necessary 
articles,  and  to  take  in  our  return  supply.  A  lot 
of  jabbering  French  policemen  sprang  on  board 
of  us,  almost  before  we  had  touched  the  wharf, 
and  commenced  rummaging  the  hold ;  but  they,  of 
course,  went  away  disappointed  in  theii'  hopes  of 
finding  something  to  condemn  us.  We  lay  in  port 
alongside  of  a  little  Dutch  trading  vessel,  that  was 
our  exact  model  and  build  in  every  particular, 
until  night,  when  we  received  our  goods,  ran  by 
the  police,  and  stood  out  to  sea.  We  got  along 
nicely  until  just  before  daylight,  when  an  'Irish- 
man's hurricane,'  as  we  call  a  calm,  set  in,  accom- 
panied by  a  heavy  fog,  and  we  lay  motionless  on 
the  water,  with  the  sails  flapping  idly  against  the 
the  masts.  It  was  provoking,  and  a  more  uneasy 
set  of  men  than  that  schooner's  crew  I  never  saw. 
We  remained  becalmed  for  nearly  an  hour,  anx- 


247 


iouslj  waiting  for  the  wind  to  spring  up,  when  I* 
happened  to  step  for'ard,  and  heard  a  noise  like 
the  washing  of  the  waves  against  the  side  of  a 
vessel.  I  hastily  ran  aft  and  reported  the  matter 
to  father,  who  silently  stationed  his  men,  and 
walked  for'ard,  with  his  speaking-trumpet  in  his 
hand,  while  we  stood  at  our  posts,  almost  fearing 
to  breathe,  lest  it  should  be  heard  on  board  of 
the  strange  vessel,  wliich  was  still  concealed  from 
our  view  by  the  thick  fog. 

"At  length,  to  our  inexpressible  relief,  we  felt 
a  puff  of  wind;  then  came  another  and  another, 
each  one  increasing  in  force,  until  the  sails  began 
to  draw,  and  the  schooner  commenced  moving 
slowly  through  the  water.  "We  stood  off  on  the 
starboard  tack,  intending  to  give  our  invisible 
neighbor  a  wide  berth ;  but  he  had  also  caught 
the  wind,  and  we  could  hear  him  moving  along 
almost  in  front  of  us.  At  length  the  fog  lifted  a 
little,  and  we  saw  a  large  revenue-cutter  standing 
directly  across  our  bows,  scarcely  a  cable's  length 
distant.  "We  luffed,  to  allow  him  to  pass,  when  a 
bail  came  from  his  deck : 

"  ^  Schooner  ahoy ! ' 

"*Yah/  shouted  father  tlii'ough   his   trumDet 


248  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURO 

"*What  schooner  is  that?' 

"*Dis?     Dis  is  my  schooner.     You  know  it.' 

"  We  all  held  our  breath  in  suspense,  wonder 
ing  what  would  be  the  result  of  this  strange  an 
swer,  when  we  distinctly  heard  the  voice  say : 

"  *  It 's  that  rascally  Dutchman  again.'  Then, 
in  a  louder  tone,  came  the  question,  ^Did  you 
keep  a  good  look-out  for  that  smuggler,  as  we 
requested?' 

" '  Yah  !     But  I  have  n't  saw  him.' 

"  *  0,  shiver  your  ugly  figure-head,'  was  the 
answer.  *I've  a  good  notion  to  put  a  six-pound 
shot  into  you,  you  wooden-headed  sour-krout 
eater.  This  makes  twice  that  we  have  been  fooled 
by  you.  Now  off  you  go,  and  do  n't  you  cross 
our  hawse  again.' 

"  Father  made  no  reply,  and  the  cutter  put  her 
helm  down,  and  started  off.  ^Ye  passed  under 
her  stern,  and  in  a  few  moments  she  disappeared 
in  the  fog.  The  next  night  we  entered  the  chan- 
nel, and  landed  our  goods  in  safety.  We  after- 
ward learned  that  the  cutter,  which  had  been 
closely  watching  our  movements,  had  boarded  the 
Dutch  schooner,  (which  I  have  before  mentioned, 
and  which  sailed  about  two  hours  in  advance  of 


THE   smugglers'    CAVE.  249 

US,)  and  so  certain  were  they  thut  they  had  at 
last  gobbled  the  smuggler,  that  they  seized  the 
vessel,  and  unceremoniously  slapped  the  captain 
and  his  crew  in  double  irons.  The  skipper  was 
so  terrified  that  he  forgot  his  English,  and  jab- 
bered away  in  Dutch ;  and  it  was  not  until  the 
ship's  papers  had  been  overhauled,  that  the  cutter 
discovered  her  mistake.  "When  the  revenue  fel- 
lows ran  foul  of  us,  they  were  again  deceived  by 
the  resemblance  between  the  two  vessels,  and  the 
manner  in  which  father  had  imitated  the  Dutch 
skipper's  language.  About  a  year  after  that  we 
had  a  stopper  put  on  our  operations,  by  one  of 
our  own  men. 

"  The  cave  had  two  entrances — one  by  a  rope 
ladder  from  the  basin  below,  which  we  could  draw 
up  in  times  of  danger,  and  the  other  by  a  path 
through  the  mountains,  which  was  known  only  to 
a  few  of  the  band  whom  father  thought  he  could 
trust.  But  his  confidence  was  abused.  There  is 
a  black  sheep  in  every  flock,  and  we  had  one 
among  us — a  man  who,  tempted  by  the  offer  of 
reward  that  was  held  out  for  our  apprehension, 
betrayed  us,  and  broke  up  our  harboring-place. 

"It  was  this  man's  business  to  go  to  Bath,  a 


250  FRANK  BEFORE  VICZSBURG. 

small  town  about  two  miles  from  the  cave,  to  dis 
pose  of  our  goods  to  the  merchants  in  that  place, 
and  receive  the  funds.  Young  as  I  was,  I  almost 
knew  that  the  fellow  would  one  day  get  us  into 
trouble.  He  was  a  short,  powerfully-built  man, 
with  a  most  villainous  countenance.  He  was  always 
silent  and  morose;  could  not  bear  to  have  you 
look  him  in  the  eye;  in  short,  he  was  just  the 
man  that  I  would  have  picked  out  from  among  a 
hundred  as  a  traitor.  Father  seemed  to  repose 
entire  confidence  in  him,  and  always  asked  his  ad- 
vice in  times  of  danger;  but,  as  much  as  I  respected 
his  judgment,  I  could  not  conquer  the  feeling  with 
which  I  had  always  regarded  the  man,  and  I  was 
constantly  on  the  watch. 

"  One  night  the  schooner  sailed  as  usual,  but 
this  man,  under  pretense  of  sickness,  remained 
behind,  with  instructions  from  father,  in  case  he 
got  better,  to  go  to  the  village  and  collect  some 
money  due  him  for  goods. 

"'All  right,'  answered  the  mate;  'I'll  attend 
to  it.'  Then,  as  soon  as  father  had  got  out  of 
hearing,  he  muttered,  'I'll  collect  something  for 
you  that  you  won't  expect.' 

"As  soon  as  the  schooner  had  cleared  the  chan 


THE  smugglers'  caye.  251 

ntjl,  and  was  fairly  out  to  sea,  the  rapidity  with 
which  that  man  got  well  was  astonishing.  He 
staid  about  the  cave  all  day,  scarcely  saying  a 
word  to  me,  and  at  night  departed  by  the  secret 
path  for  the  village.  I  was  very  uneasy,  for  a 
dread  of  impending  evil  constantly  pressed  upon 
me,  and  I  determined  to  watch  the  path,  and  be 
ready  for  any  emergency. 

^'On  the  cliff,  at  the  entrance  of  the  channel 
that  led  to  the  bay,  was  a  pile  of  dry  wood,  that 
was  to  be  lighted  in  case  of  danger.  This  I  re- 
plenished, placing  materials  for  striking  a  light 
close  at  hand,  and  then  returned  to  the  cave  to 
keep  watch  of  the  path. 

"Two  days  passed  without  the  occurrence  of 
any  thing  unusual,  and  the  night  came  on  which 
the  schooner  was  expected  to  return.  I  divided 
my  attention  between  the  secret  path  and  the 
offing,  and  at  length  a  blue  light,  moving  up  and 
down  in  the  darkness,  told  me  that  the  schooner 
was  approaching.  I  answered  the  signal,  and 
stood  peering  through  the  darkness  to  get  a 
glimpse  of  the  approaching  vessel,  when  I  heard 
a  rustling  behind  me,  and  looking  down  the  path 
I   discovered,  to  my  dismay,  a  party  of   armed 


252  FRANK  BEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

men  approaching,  headed  by  the  traitor,  -who  said, 
in  a  low  voice : 

"'It's  all  right  now.  Catch  that  brat  before 
he  has  time  to  light  the  sigual  of  danger,  and  let 
the  schooner  once  get  into  the  channel,  and  we 
have  got  them  fast.' 

"  The  person  spoken  of  as  'that  brat'  was  my- 
self, and  I  knew  that  the  salvation  of  the  schooner 
depended  upon  my  exertions.  In  an  instant  I 
had  determined  upon  my  course,  and,  springing 
from  the  cave,  I  ran  toward  the  rope  ladder  that 
led  to  the  basin  below,  and  commenced  descending. 
A  moment  afterward  the  mouth  of  the  cave  was 
filled  by  the  burly  form  of  the  traitor,  who  ex- 
claimed : 

"  '  There  he  is — shoot  him  ! '  and,  suiting  the 
action  to  the  word,  he  leveled  his  pistol  and  fired. 
I  felt  a  sharp  pain  shoot  through  my  shoulder ;  a 
faintness  seized  upon  me,  and,  being  unable  longer 
to  retain  my  hold  upon  the  ladder,  I  disappeared 
in  the  basin.  My  sudden  immersion  in  the  cold 
water  revived  me,  and,  being  an  excellent  swim- 
mer, I  struck  out,  intending  to  climb  the  chff  on 
the  opposite  side,  and  fire  the  pile.  I  exerted 
myself  to  the  utmost,  for  I  could  see  by  the  lights 


THE   smugglers'   CAVE.  253 

in  the  mouth  of  the  cave  that  the  traitor  and  his 
men  were  preparing  to  follow  me ;  but,  it  seemed, 
in  my  hurry  and  excitement,  that  I  scarcely  moved 
through  the  water.  At  length,  however,  I  reached 
the  opposite  shore,  and  after  climbing  the  cliff, 
(which  I  did  with  the  utmost  difficulty,  for  my 
wounded  arm  was  hanging  almost  useless  at  my 
side,  and  I  had  not  stopped  to  look  for  the  path,) 
I  ran  at  the  top  of  my  speed  toward  the  pile. 
The  schooner  having  seen  my  signal,  and  suppos- 
ing, of  course,  that  all  was  right,  was  still  stand- 
ing toward  the  mouth  of  the  channel.  A  moment 
more,  and  I  would  have  been  too  late. 

"I  had  considerable  difficulty  in  finding  my 
flint,  and  then  it  seemed  impossible  to  strike  a 
light ;  but,  just  as  the  foremost  of  my  pursuers 
reached  the  top  of  the  chff,  I  succeeded  in  catch- 
ing a  spark ;  in  a  moment  more,  the  whole  pile  was 
in  a  blaze.  I  could  not  refrain  from  giving  a  shout 
of  triumph  as  I  saw  the  flames  shooting  upward 
toward  the  sky,  lighting  up  the  whole  face  of  the 
rocks,  until  every  object  was  as  clearly  defined  as 
in  broad  daylight.  I  heard  an  exclamation  of  sur- 
prise on  board  the  schooner,  followed  by  a  few 
hastily-spoken  orders ;  then  I  knew  that  I  had  sue- 


254  frank:  before  vicKSBURa. 

ceeded,  and  the  schooner  was  safe.  But  I  vrAa  not 
a  moment  too  soon,  for  the  little  vessel  was  rapidly 
nearing  the  mouth  of  the  channel,  and  once  in- 
closed by  those  rocky  walls,  once  under  the  influ- 
ence of  those  waves  that  dashed  so  madly  over  the 
rocks,  retreat  would  have  been  impossible. 

"  I  was  allowed  scarcely  a  moment  to  congratu- 
late myself  upon  my  success,  for  my  pursuers, 
finding  themselves  foiled,  determined  to  wreak 
their  vengeance  upon  mo.  They  could  plainly 
see  me  by  the  light  of  the  burning  pile,  and  the 
quick  discharge  of  half  a  dozen  pistols  sent  the 
bullets  thickly  around  me.  It  was  death  to  re- 
main where  I  was,  so,  taking  a  last  look  at  the 
cave,  I  threw  myself  over  the  cliff,  and  struck  out 
for  the  schooner. 

"My  father,  having  seen  me  when. I  took  the 
leap,  laid  the  schooner  to,  and  lowered  a  boat  to 
pick  me  up.  I  tell  you,  sir,  I  was  a  proud  young- 
ster when  I  stood  on  that  deck,  receiving  the 
thanks  and  the  congratulations  of  those  I  had 
saved.  I  forgot  the  pain  of  my  wound,  and  the 
dangers  from  which  I  had  escaped,  in  the  joy  I 
experienced  at  finding  myself  once  more  safe 
among  my  friends." 


CONCLUSION/      .    '  255 

Their  watch  ending  with  Tom's  interesting  remi- 
niscence, they  then  turned  in  for  the  night. 

The  next  morning  the  attack  upon  the  bluffa 
was  renewed,  without  resulting  to  the  advantage 
of  either  side,  and  at  night  the  vessels  again  with- 
drew, and  retreated  down  the  river.  The  Trenton 
returned  to  her  old  landing,  and  Frank,  at  his  re- 
quest, was  again  placed  in  command  of  one  of  the 
guns  of  the  battery.  But  he  was  not  destined  to 
hold  the  position  long,  for,  now  that  the  "beau- 
ties" had  dismounted  that  troublesome  gun.  Gen- 
eral Sherman  had  advanced  his  works  until  he 
could  go  no  further  without  getting  into  the  ene- 
my's line.  At  length,  one  morning,  a  flag  of  truce 
was  raised  within  their  Certifications,  and  hostilities 
were  at  once  suspended.  Then  came  that  cele- 
brated interview  between  the  generals,  during 
which  tho  soldiers  on  both  sides  clambered  out 
of  the  rifle-pits,  and  conversed  face  to  face  with 
the  men  with  whom  they  had  so  long  been  engaged 
in  deadly  conflict. 

"  How  are  you  new,  Johnny?"  inquii^ed  Frank, 
Beating  himself  on  one  of  the  guns,  and  waving  his 
hat  to  a  rebel  officer  who  stood  in  the  rifle-pits, 
gazing  at  the  battery  with  great  interest.     "  What 


256  FRANK  IBEFORE   VICKSBURa. 

does  that  flag  of  truce  mean?  Are  you  going  to 
surrender  ? '' 

"Don't  know,"  replied  the  rehel;  "but,  I  say, 
Yank,  will  you  let  a  fellow  come  over  there  ?  " 

"  Certainly.     Come  on." 

The  rebel  accordingly  laid  aside  his  weapons, 
and  walked  over  to  the  battery,  where,  after  ex- 
amining the  guns  very  curiously,  he  entered  into 
conversation  with  Frank,  in  the  course  of  which 
he  informed  him  that  they  were  a  "played-out 
concern,"  and  could  not  possibly  hold  out  more 
than  a  week  longer. 

But  they  did  not  "hold  out"  so  long;  for,  on 
the  next  day,  the  fourth  of  July,  the  victorious 
army  entered  the  city,  and  raised  the  Stars  and 
Stripes  over  the  "  Sebastopol  of  the  Rebels." 

Here  we  leave  our  hero,  reposing  before  Yicks- 
burg  on  his  well-earned  reputation  as  .  a  gallant 
young  officer,  waiting  to  be  ordered  to  new  scenes 
of  excitement  and  dansrer  further  down  the  Mis- 
Bissippi  and  up  her  tributary  streams.  Through 
these  scenes  we  shall  conduct  our  readers  in  a 
concluding  volume,  which  will  close  Frank's  career 
on  our  "Western  waters. 

THE  END. 


RARE  BOOK 
COLLECTION 


THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

AT 

CHAPEL  HILL 

Wiimer 
454 


1 


y-' 


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^^^^^m^^^ 


